I want to point out that the Charter of Human Rights made by the United nations ( The Universal Declaration of human rights 1948 by the United Nations)includes articles that apply to our children/young adults/adults with disabilities - and that there is the right to be protected - which is given to children but not to vulnerable adults over 18 years old by laws in Australia.

RECOGNITION AS A PERSON BEFORE THE LAW
In particular is articles 6 which states "everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law" Those with disabilities need to be treated as people by the law, not ignored.
EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAW - THE RIGHT WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION
and article 7 which states that "all persons are equal before the law
and have right without discrimination to equal protection of the law"

     My son was not given equal protection by the law...possibly become there was no law to give him that protection. A young man who could talk or who was "normal" may have been given that extra protection by the law.
     Also the refusal by police to investigate the cause of his possible assault, which it was an assault as someone had hit him - who that was is hidden...but the lack of response by police showed a discrimination against James because he had a disability - they did not think he was worth it and again because there was no law to protect him and make it worth it for the police to do investigate or question the worker involved.

     There is then no law giving equal protection to those vulnerable persons with disabilities like my son who cannot defend themselves or verbally express what happened to them. Just like children need the children's protection act. Our grown children with disabilities need a Vulnerable Persons protection Act. Without that they are not receiving the equal protection they need for their situation as a person.

     Because those who are non-verbal or any disability persons are over 18 years old they are not protected by any law - yet they are like children and need extra protection.
The protections given to children as demanded by the Human Rights Charters of United nations states in article 19 is that

"Governments should ensure that children are properly cared for and protected from violence, abuse and neglect by their parents and anyone else who looks after them.

Also Article 23 states "Children who have any kind of disability should receive special care and support so that they can live a full and independent life"
Human rights laws and justice are something those young people or adults over 18 years old also need - special protections - a protection act that gives the government responsibility to protect those vulnerable ones like my son.
We need these rights to be extended to our special needs young - those with disabilities and those who cannot speak for themselves or protect themselves from violence or any kind of abuse.
To ignore this is a crime in itself of negligence by our government. That is why I want a new law for vulnerable persons, and cameras in respite places, accommodation, even day programs for those with disabilities because there is no protection against harm from others, even workers.

all the best
Anndrea Wheatley