You may or may not be aware that the Australian Government announced a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability in April 2019. The Commission is now underway, with an interim report expected in October this year and a final report due April 2022.

The Commission was established due to extensive advocacy and research showing that people living with a disability are at an increased risk of experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. It aims to help protect those in our community who are living with disability and assist in the prevention of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Commission also aims to improve practice standards in reporting and investigating any incidents that do occur. It seeks to help to promote a society that is more inclusive and supportive of the independence of community members living with disability.

As part of the Commission, submissions from people with disability impacted by violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation, their families, carers and advocates, are encouraged, as well as from organisations working in the disability sector. Baptist Care SA will be making some voluntary submissions of best practice and we are fully supportive of any of our clients or families wishing to make a submission too. We are here to support you in any way we can.

If you would like any further information about the Royal Commission, please visit their website: disability.royalcommission.gov.au