Complaint Mechanisms for Reporting Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
Person in wheelchair walking alongside somebody on a footpath.

Overview 

Led by  Dr Linda Steele, in collaboration with Dr Dinesh Wadiwel (University of Sydney) and Dr Claire Spivakovsky (University of Melbourne), this research examines the effectiveness of complaint mechanisms available to people with disabilities for reporting violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The report assesses whether these mechanisms guarantee equal access to justice, provide protection from violence, and facilitate system change. The research explores challenges within current complaint systems, including their fit for purpose, alignment with other reporting avenues, and potential to drive systemic reform. 

How we support positive change 

This project provides the Disability Royal Commission with recommendations on designing accessible, inclusive complaint mechanisms that offer justice beyond traditional legal pathways. Guided by human rights principles, the research proposes an ideal framework for complaint mechanisms, addressing procedural justice, violence prevention, and effective reporting pathways. Additionally, it maps the current Australian complaint mechanism landscape, highlighting common limitations and opportunities for improvement. 

Find out more 

For more details, access the research paper: Complaint Mechanisms: Reporting Pathways for Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.