Overview of responses to the Group homes Issues paper (Auslan)

Overview of responses to the Group homes Issues paper

Last November the Disability Royal Commission asked for feedback on people’s experiences of group homes.

We received responses from family members of people with disability who have lived in group homes, advocates and organisations.

Thirty six responses are now available on our website.

Respondents detailed incidents of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability by group home staff.

We heard about other issues, for example:

• a lack of choice and control for people with disability living in group homes
• violence between group home residents
• use of restrictive practices in group homes such as being tied to a chair or locking fridges and doors to restrict access to food and free movement.

Many respondents outlined the experiences of violence and human rights violations of women in group homes.

Women with Disabilities ACT and Women With Disability Australia said violence against women in group homes can include sexual assault, menstrual control and forced contraception.

Many people said it was difficult to make complaints about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation in group homes.

Responses reflect different views about the role of group homes for people with disability.

Responses also included proposals for change.

Responses will help develop our final recommendations to improve the future for people with disability in group homes.

More information is on our website. Go to ‘policy & research’ and click on ‘issues papers’.