The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Exploitation and Neglect of People with Disability, or the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) is a three-year federal inquiry looking at violence and abuse against people with disability. The DRC started in 2019.
The Commission’s role is to: understand the extent of the problem; learn more about where abuse is more likely to occur; understand its effects on people with disability, their families, support people and the community; and gather information.
If you are a person with disability affected by violence, abuse, exploitation, or neglect, you can make a submission, to the DRC, up to the year 2022.
You can share what you’ve seen or what’s happened to you. Submissions can be kept private until the Commission reports to parliament or longer if the Australia Government passes new laws.
The DRC’s final report is due on 29 April 2022.
As part of its report, the Commission will make recommendations on how to prevent abuse from happening again.
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) has shared its views with the DRC. PWDA encourages you to share your story and has disability advocates available to help you.
To speak to a disability advocate, email info@wayfinderhub.com.au or leave a voicemail at 1800 843 929. Alternatively you can line up making your submission by contacting the Commission.
You can also access the specialist Blue Knot DRC counselling service on weekdays on 1800 421 468 and the Your Story disability legal support service on weekdays on 1800 771 800.