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Frequently Asked Questions

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

What is a Royal Commission?

A Royal Commission is the highest form of public investigation into a matter of great importance. A Royal Commission is started by the Government but is conducted by people who are independent of Government, called Commissioners. A Royal Commission is established by law and has broad powers to hold public hearings, call witnesses and compel evidence.

Who will the Royal Commission apply to? Where will it apply?

The Disability Royal Commission will investigate and report on the specific experiences of violence against, and abuse, neglect and exploitation of, people with disability.   It will pay particular attention to experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or people with culturally and linguistically diverse people; and where there are multilayered and intersection experiences age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origins, gender identity, intersex status, and race.

The investigation will explore experiences in all settings and contexts, including: 

  • schools,
  • workplaces,
  • jails and detention centres,
  • secure disability and mental health facilities,
  • group homes or boarding houses,
  • family homes,
  • hospitals, and
  • day programs. 

Where will the Royal Commission be located?

The Disability Royal Commission will be based in Brisbane and Sydney, however, hearings will take place around the country and remotely via electronic facilities.

How can I tell my story to the Royal Commission? When will it be time to talk to the Royal Commission?

You can Share Your Story with the Disability Royal Commission in any way that you feel comfortable:

  • by email
  • through the website
  • over the phone
  • in a video or audio recording
  • in a private session with a Commissioner

You can tell the Disability Royal commission about your experiences in your own language using interpreters and translator provided.

You can view this Auslan Video, First Nations Engagement Principles and other information about sharing your story.

What are private sessions?

Private sessions allow you to share your experiences with a Commissioner in a confidential setting.   Your identity and anything you tell the Commissioner/s in a private session is protected from disclosure by law.

The information you provide in a private session is confidential, even after the Royal Commission has ended, except in very specific circumstances. These specific circumstances include where your information relates to contravention of an Australian law and the Royal Commission considers it appropriate to communicate your information to a law enforcement agency.

Update:

Registrations for private sessions closed on 30 June 2022. Private sessions are expected to continue for the remainder of 2023 for those who have already registered.

What are the rates of violence against people with disability?

  • people with disability experience far higher rates of violence than the rest of the community;
  • women with disability experience higher rates of sexual assault than other women;
  • children with disability are three times more likely to experience abuse than other children;
  • people with disability experience violence in places where they are meant to be receiving support;
  • people with disability can’t always rely on the police for protection against violence;
  • people with disability are often treated as ‘unreliable witnesses’, or are not even permitted by law to provide testimony at all.

How does this relate to the Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse?

The Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse was very important because it brought the voices of many survivors to light, often for the first time. Many of these survivors are people with disability, who are more likely to be subject to abuse.

The Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse only applied to people abused as children in institutional settings. People with disability, of all ages, experience very high rates of violence across all settings. We all deserve to have our voices heard and have this opportunity to seek justice.

How has violence and abuse of people with disability been recognised in the past?

Violence against people with disability is poorly recognised and dealt with in the wider community.

In 2015, a Senate inquiry was held into violence abuse and neglect against people with disability, and it found widespread rates of abuse and recommended a Royal Commission.

The Senate inquiry, while important, did not have the powers, resources and public recognition of the Royal Commission.  A Royal Commission has powers to summon witnesses, authorise search warrants, compel the production of documents and information, and to fine and/or imprison those who do not comply.  The Royal Commission also provide emotional, legal, and advocacy support to people with disability who are engaged with the Disability Royal Commission.  

Why do we need a standalone, separate Royal Commission?

People with disability experience higher rates of violence at all ages and in many contexts.  While the majority of older people are people with disability (ABS 2016), the reverse is not true. It’s important not to conflate the two groups and to understand the importance and differences between the Aged Care Royal Commission and the Disability Royal Commission.

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