SA Adult Safeguarding Unit

South Australia’s new Adult Safeguarding Unit (ASU), located in the Office for Ageing Well opened for business on 1 October 2019.

The Unit is empowered to act upon reports of abuse or neglect of adults who, through their health, life and or other circumstances, may be vulnerable to abuse or neglect.

Members of the community are able to report suspicions of abuse and the ASU will be able to assess the report and follow up to find out more information and/or take appropriate action, depending on the circumstances.

The Unit complements the role of other government bodies and South Australia Police by providing a service to all South Australians and raising community awareness about prevention and elder abuse.

The ASU is guided in its work by human rights principles and a new Charter of the Rights and Freedoms of Vulnerable Adults. The Charter prioritises a person’s rights to autonomy and self-determination while providing a pathway to ensure they are safeguarded from serious harm. Support will be tailored to a persons’ needs, wishes and circumstances.

For the first three years, the Unit will have a legal responsibility to respond to reports of abuse for people 65 years or older, or 50 years or older, if the person is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

The Adult Safeguarding Unit will take reports about all adults (regardless of their age) who because of their vulnerability may be experiencing abuse or harm.

You can contact the Unit through the Elder Abuse Prevention Phone Line number on 1800 372 310 or stopelderabuse@sa.gov.au.