Disability Royal Commission
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disabilities started in April 2019 and ran until 29 September 2023.
A Royal Commission is an investigation into a matter of great importance. It has the power to hold public hearings, call witnesses under oath, and compel evidence. A Royal Commission makes recommendations about what should be changed in their reports to the government.
Women with Disabilities Victoria hopes to see a greater community awareness of the gendered nature of violence and abuse women with disabilities experience as a result of this Royal Commission.
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability Resources:
Full Report
Final Report | Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
A brief guide to the Final Report:
A brief guide to the Final Report.pdf
A brief guide to the Final Report.docx
A brief guide to the Final Report – Easy Read.pdf
A brief guide to the Final Report – Easy Read – Text only.docx
A brief guide to the Final Report (Auslan)
OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network) and the AFDO (Australian Federation of Disability Organisations) Discussion Paper – Supports for Older People with Disability
Discussion Paper (PDF)
Discussion Paper (Word)
Accessible Summary (PDF)
Accessible Summary (Word)
Opinion Piece By Patty Kinnersly, Nadia Mattiazzo – October 3 2023
“Disability royal commission highlights work to be done to end violence against women and girls with disability.”
Where to find support
Emotional Support Service
The Disability Royal Commission has a national, free counselling and referral service, delivered by the Blue Knot Foundation.
The service is available for people with disability, families and carers, and anyone affected by the Disability Royal Commission.
The service operates between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday and between 9am and 5pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
You can call the National Counselling and Referral Service on 1800 421 468 or 02 6146 1468.
Your Story Legal Support
Your Story Disability Legal Support empowers people with disability to safely share their story with the Disability Royal Commission and connect with local support services.
They work in partnership with communities to deliver a person centred, trauma-informed and culturally safe legal service.
They can be contacted on 1800 771 800 or via their online form.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000 for emergency services. If you are experiencing, or have experienced, violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation, you can find more information about services available here.