Understanding Abuse
Understanding abuse is about recognising abuse as a violation of a person's human rights. A focus on what makes life good for each person is the best way to enable rights and minimise risk of abuse. It is also about knowing what signs to be aware of that abuse is happening or has taken place.
Online Human Rights Training
Human Rights and You
Human Rights are the foundation of the Zero Tolerance framework. Human Rights and You is a new national video-based e-learning program for disability support workers about why human rights matter when supporting people with disability. It explores topics including:- What are Human Rights
- Rights and Responsibilities
- When Rights Go Wrong
- Asking for Help
This short and informative program takes around 30-minutes to complete. A Human Rights and You workbook (with accessible version) is available for use with the program as well as a short 'What Are Human Rights' animation.
Available now:
1. To access the elearning module with your progress tracked, including certificate of completion, log in to the Learning Management System here.
2. To enquire about using the course in your organisation's Learning Management System, contact The Learn and Develop Team An administration fee of $350.00+GST applies.
A short video for boards about embedding human rights approaches is also available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u98PzbCzP10
NDS acknowledges the funding from the Victorian and Western Australian Governments which allowed this program to be developed.
Understanding Abuse
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‘Understanding Abuse’ e-learning programA 30-minute video based e-learning program for disability support workers. Three modules with printable worksheets help facilitate personal and group reflection and a commitment to action. There are three options for accessing the Understanding Abuse e-learning modules
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‘Understanding Abuse’ Learning BitesThe ‘Understanding Abuse’ Learning Bites are 3-5 minute videos addressing eight life areas. They can be used to promote discussion and personal reflection by support workers. Each Learning Bite has a printable worksheet to be completed and signed off by the supervisor. “I really benefited from the videos, and being able to hear what others saw in the scenarios.” Access the Learning Bites here: |
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‘Understanding Abuse’ downloadable worksheetsThese easy-to-use worksheets promote reflection, team discussion and action through simple personal and team exercises. Includes checklists to help support workers to recognise instances of good, poor and abusive practice, and to take action. Download the Learning Bite worksheets here (PDF 1.72MB, WORD 135KB) |
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‘Understanding Abuse’ Guide for SupervisorsProvides useful information for supervisors to use ‘Understanding Abuse’ with staff. Offers additional training information, scenarios and links to other relevant training and resources. Download the Guide for Supervisors here (PDF 1.20MB, WORD 4.20MB) |
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‘Empowerment Circle’ diagramThe ‘Empowerment Circle’ can be used to assist support workers to focus on good practice, and to consider and recognise poor or neglectful practice, abuse and crime. |
Links to other useful resources:
- Rights Under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) video from Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU)
- Say 'No' to Abuse E. W. Tipping Foundation
- A Worker's Guide to Safeguarding People Living with Disability from Abuse ASID and ADP
- Implementing the UNCRPD - Plain English Guide Victorian Department of Health and Human Services
National Disability Services would like to acknowledge the funding from the Victorian Government which allowed these resources to be developed.
For more information contact Liz Collier, Project Lead - Zero Tolerance, (03) 8341 4317,
© National Disability Services (NDS) 2017 applies to NDS Zero Tolerance logo, Zero Tolerance Framework and The Empowerment Circle.Copyright permissions
NDS grants permission for users to copy, distribute, display, download and otherwise freely deal with Zero Tolerance resources for any personal or organisational purpose, on condition that proper acknowledgment is included on all uses. Any use of zero Tolerance resources for commercial gain is strictly prohibited.