Steps to Take If You Feel Unsafe With Your NDIS Support Worker

Feeling unsafe or uncomfortable with a support worker can be a frightening and confusing experience. Many NDIS participants find themselves in this situation and are unsure what to do or who to turn to for help. It’s important to remember that this is not something you have to endure. Your safety and well-being come first, and there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself and your rights.

This guide is here to walk you through what to do if you have concerns about a support worker. We will cover the signs of unsafe behaviour, your rights as an NDIS participant, and the immediate actions you can take to ensure your personal safety. You deserve to feel respected, supported, and secure with the people who assist you, and this article will empower you to make that a reality.

What “Not Feeling Safe” Can Look Like

Unsafe behaviour from a support worker isn’t always obvious. It can range from subtle actions that make you feel uneasy to serious misconduct. Trusting your instincts is crucial. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

Here are some examples of what inappropriate behaviour might look like:

• Disrespecting your boundaries: This could involve ignoring your requests, staying longer than scheduled without your permission, or asking overly personal questions.
• Making you feel uncomfortable or nervous: A worker might use language or have a tone that makes you feel anxious or on edge.
• Speaking aggressively or threateningly: This includes yelling, using intimidating language, or making you feel pressured to do something you don’t want to do.
• Unprofessional conduct: This could be anything from showing up late consistently, being on their phone during a shift, or discussing their personal problems with you.
• Entering private spaces without permission: Your bedroom, bathroom, and other personal areas should only be entered with your consent.
• Not following your care instructions: Ignoring your specific needs or directions for support puts your well-being at risk.
• Mishandling your supports or funds: This includes pressuring you to buy things for them, misusing your NDIS funds, or not providing the agreed-upon support.
• Physical intimidation or unwanted contact: Any form of physical touch that you have not consented to is unacceptable.
• Coercion or pressure: A worker should never pressure you into making decisions about your life, your funding, or your supports.

Your Rights as an NDIS Participant

Knowing your rights is the first step toward feeling empowered. The NDIS framework is built to protect you and ensure you have choice and control over your supports. When it comes to NDIS safety, your rights are non-negotiable.

Remember these key points:

• You have the absolute right to feel safe and be treated with dignity and respect at all times.
• You have the right to choose who supports you and to change your support worker or provider if you are not happy.
• You can stop a service or a shift at any time if you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or disrespected.
• You have the right to make a complaint without fearing that you will lose your funding or face negative consequences.
• You have the right to privacy and to have your personal information handled confidentially. Your support should always be based on your consent.

These rights are protected by the NDIS Code of Conduct, which all providers and workers must follow.

Immediate Steps to Take If You Feel Unsafe

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe with your support worker, your immediate priority is your personal safety. Here are clear, simple steps you can take in the moment.

1. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. If a worker is threatening you, has become physically aggressive, or you fear for your life, do not hesitate. Call Triple Zero for police or ambulance assistance right away. This is the most important step in any emergency.
2. Remove yourself from the situation. If you can, move to a safe space. This could be another room in your house, stepping outside, or going to a neighbour’s home. Creating physical distance can de-escalate the situation and give you space to think.
3. End the shift. You are in control. You do not need to provide a lengthy explanation. You can simply say, “I’m not feeling well and would like to end the shift now,” or “I need you to leave.”
4. Contact a trusted person. Call a family member, friend, or carer and tell them what is happening. Having someone who knows the situation can provide immediate emotional support and help you decide what to do next.
5. Document what happened. As soon as you are safe, write down what occurred. Note the date, time, what was said or done, and how it made you feel. This record will be very helpful if you decide to make a formal complaint.

Who to Contact for Help and Reporting Concerns

Once you are safe, there are several pathways you can take to report your concerns and get further support. The right contact will depend on the seriousness of the situation.

• The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: This is the primary body for handling complaints about the quality and safety of NDIS services. If you have experienced misconduct, neglect, or any form of abuse, you should contact them. They have the power to investigate and take action against workers and providers. You can call them on 1800 035 544.
• Your Provider’s Complaints Team: Your provider is legally required to have a complaint process. Contact them directly to report the incident and request that the worker is not sent to you again. This is often the fastest way to stop further contact with the person you feel unsafe with.
• Your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC): If you have a Support Coordinator or LAC, they are a fantastic resource. They can advocate on your behalf, help you make a complaint, and assist in finding a new, more suitable worker or provider.
• The Police: For any criminal behaviour, such as assault, theft, or threats of violence, you should report it to the police. Call 000 in an emergency or your local police station for non-urgent matters.
• 1800RESPECT: For emotional support related to sexual assault or family violence, you can call 1800 737 732. They offer confidential counselling and support 24/7.

How to Change Your Support Worker Safely

You have the right to change your support worker at any time, for any reason. You do not need to justify your decision. Feeling uncomfortable is reason enough.

Here’s how to do it:

• Contact your provider and state that you no longer wish to have that particular worker. You can simply say, “I am requesting a different support worker as I don’t feel we are a good match.” You are not required to go into detail if you don’t want to.
• Your provider must respect your decision. Under the NDIS Code of Conduct, they are obligated to ensure you feel safe and are happy with your supports.
• If you need help finding a replacement, your Support Coordinator can manage this process for you. They can source and screen new workers to find someone who is a better fit for your needs and personality, ensuring your continuity of support is not disrupted.

Emotional Support Matters

Feeling unsafe with someone you are supposed to trust can be deeply unsettling. It may trigger feelings of anxiety, stress, or even bring up past trauma. It is vital to acknowledge these feelings and seek emotional support.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to people you trust, whether it’s your family, friends, or a professional. Speaking with a counsellor or joining a peer support group can also be incredibly helpful. You are not alone in this, and allowing yourself to be supported emotionally is just as important as ensuring your physical safety.

Your Safety Is Your Right

You deserve to feel completely safe, respected, and comfortable with your support worker. Trust your instincts—if a situation feels wrong, it is wrong. You have the right to speak up, change your supports, and make a complaint at any time.

If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, remember that there are systems and people in place to help. Reach out to your provider, your Support Coordinator, or the NDIS Commission for immediate assistance. Your well-being is the top priority.