Physical abuse is any intentional act that causes physical pain, injury, trauma, or bodily harm to another person. It includes both acts and threats of physical violence.
Who may be at increased risk of physical abuse
- older people
- people living with disability
- people who rely on others for care or support
- people experiencing isolation, mental health issues, or cognitive changes.
What physical abuse can look like
Physical abuse can take many forms, including:
- hitting, slapping, punching, or kicking
- grabbing, shoving, or pushing
- burning, biting, or pinching
- force-feeding or withholding food
- inappropriate use of restraints (physical or chemical)
- rough handling during care or transport
- misuse of medication to sedate or control
- deliberate exposure to danger, injury, or extreme temperature.
How to identify signs of physical abuse
Some signs may be visible, others more subtle. Be alert to:
Physical signs
- unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures
- injuries in various stages of healing
- injuries inconsistent with the explanation given
- restraint marks or finger marks
- signs of over-medication or sedation.
Behavioural signs
- flinching, withdrawal, or fearfulness
- anxiety or distress around specifc people
- hesitation to speak, or nonverbal cues of discomfort
- sudden changes in behaviour, mood, or physical ability.
Situational clues
- A carer who is controlling, aggressive, or unwilling to allow private conversations.
- Delay in seeking medical help for injuries.
- History of multiple injuries.
What to do if you suspect physical abuse
If you are concerned about someone’s immediate health or safety, phone emergency services on 000 (triple zero).
If you are unsure about the situation discuss with your manager or supervisor immediately.
If you are a NDIS provider or aged care worker:
Report it within your organisation, following your safeguarding or incident policy.
Consider whether to make a report to:
- the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, if the person is a NDIS participant
- the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, if person is in aged care.
- the South Australian Police (SAPOL) if concerns are serious.
Make sure you are sharing information in line with Information Sharing Guidelines.
Work with the adult to plan the next steps
- Check that both you and the other person are safe and see if anyone needs medical help.
- If safe to do so, speak with the adult alone and sensitively raise the concerns, and ask them what support they want to address the abuse, for example:
- help the person to make a report to the police
- help the person to make a safety plan
- refer the person to a service that can assist with seeking an intervention order. Refer to the contacts for adult safeguarding assistance page for more support options.
- Speak with your manager about the situation and consider your agency's safeguarding policies and incident management procedures.
- Document your concerns clearly and accurately.
If you need further advice or support
The Adult Safeguarding Unit can provide free, confidential information, advice and support.
Phone 1800 372 310 (9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday)
Email adultsafeguardingunit@sa.gov.au
Website adultsafeguardingunit.sa.gov.au
Other support services can be found on our contacts for adult safeguarding assistance page.
Printable version of this guide
Guide for service providers - understanding and responding to physical abuse (PDF 182.3 KB)