After the unprecedented occurrence of four domestic-violence related deaths in the span of a single week, a Royal Commission into South Australia’s domestic violence ‘epidemic’ was commenced on the 1st of July 2024. It has inquired into 5 aspects aligned with the ‘National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032’- prevention, early intervention, response, recovery & healing and Coordination.
Prevention:
The Commission intends to investigate how South Australia can prompt preventative change in social drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence.
Early Intervention:
The Commission aims to find solutions to improve effective early intervention by identifying and supporting high-risk individuals.
Response:
The Commission expects to investigate how South Australia can ensure best practice responses by providing services and support for affected families.
Recovery and Healing
The Commission aims to provide an answer on how South Australia can take a more positive approach with recovery and healing that will reduce the risk of re-traumatisation and can better support survivors.
Coordination
Lastly, the commission intends to recommend solutions for how communities and different organisations, whether government or not and can coordinate efforts across all the above aspects so as to design and provide a capable domestic, family and sexual violence system that meets the needs and wants of all affected individuals.
What Does the Future of This Commission Look Like?
The Royal Commission is planning to conclude its investigations by the 1st of July 2025. Before then, the commission is working on uncovering initial responses from South Australian residents especially by engaging with diverse groups (including First nations people, culturally diverse communities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, people of all ages, regional residents and experts in related fields) and focusing on systemic development to better suit a wide range of people.
How Might This Commission Influence NSW?
The South Australian Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence has the potential to foster stronger cross-state collaboration by setting new benchmarks in addressing Domestic Violence and providing effective solutions to also help those in NSW.
If you are an Australian citizen experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, please call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
If you or someone you know wish to discuss this issue further, or seek legal advice on matters concerning domestic, family, or sexual violence, please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 8999 9809.