Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability was established on 4 April 2019 with the signing of the Letter Patent (which include the terms of reference) by the Governor-General.
The Royal Commission’s terms of reference cover what should be done to:
- Prevent, and better protect, people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Achieve best practice in reporting and investigating of, and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Promote a more inclusive society that supports the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The inquiry will cover all forms of violence against, and abuse, neglect and exploitation of, people with disability, in all settings and contexts.
ABOUT THE ROYAL COMMISSION
The Disability Royal Commission has been established in response to widespread reports of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability. This video provides an overview of who they are, what they do and how they work.
SHARING YOUR
EXPERIENCE
Have you experienced violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation? Is there something you want to say about it? The Disability Royal Commission wants to hear from you. This video explains how you can share your story with them.
PUBLIC
HEARINGS
Public hearings are an important part of the work of the Disability Royal Commission. This video explains how public hearings work, who is involved and what to expect if you are a witness at a public hearing.
Royal Commission releases latest issues paper on violence and abuse in homes and accommodation.
Issues paper – Violence and abuse of people with disability at home, Dec 2020
Issues paper – Violence and abuse of people with disability at home – Easy read, Dec 2020
Advocacy and counselling services
The organisations to provide advocacy and counselling services for people engaging with the Disability Royal Commission have been announced. A total of almost $140M has been allocated for advocacy, counselling and legal supports over three years. This includes nearly $28M for ten state-based counselling organisations to deliver in-person counselling. A large number of state-based advocacy organisations have also been funded.
Nationally, in addition to Blue Knot Foundation — which has run the National Counselling and Referral Service since October — $7.35M has been allocated for the following organisations to provide national systemic advocacy:
- Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)
- National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA)
- People with Disability Australia (PWDA)
- Women with Disability Australia (WWDA)
- First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN)
- Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO)
- Inclusion Australia
- Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA)
Royal Commission Newsletter
This newsletter will help keep you up-to-date with everything going on at the Royal Commission.
- Connect edition 19 – 2 Jan 2021
- Connect edition 18 – 15 Dec 2020
- Connect edition 17 – 1 Dec 2020
- Connect edition 16 – 17 Nov 2020
- Connect edition 15 – 3 Nov 2020
- Connect Edition 14 – 20 Oct 2020
- Connect Edition 13 – 07 Oct 2020
- Connect Edition 12 – 22 Sep 2020
- Connect Edition 11 – 8 Sep 2020
- Connect Edition 10 – 25 Aug 2020
- Connect Edition 9 – 11 Aug 2020
Royal Commission resources
Easy Read Terms of Reference 
Easy Read Royal Commission Fact Sheet
Royal Commission Fact Sheet
Make A Submission
Easy Read Submission Form
Submission Form
Royal Commission Links
Royal Commission Website
Legal Advisory Service
NDS Royal Commission Hub
Legal Financial Assistance Scheme
National Counselling and Referral Services
Community Forums Information
Connect With Us
We acknowledge the Peramangk People and the Kaurna People as the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work. We respect their cultural beliefs, their Elders past and present and their spiritual connection with Country.