The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (VANE) of People with Disability continues to work through identified issues through Public Hearings, Research Papers and Issues Papers.

This month, the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) held Public Hearing 14 in Adelaide, focussing on preventing and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation in disability services. The hearing ran from 7 to 11 June and explored what changes have been made by the South Australian and Commonwealth Government over the past year to safeguard vulnerable people with disability against VANE, following the death of Ann-Marie Smith in April 2020. The witness list consisted of members of the Department of Human Services (DHS), the NDIA and the NDIS Commission.

If you, or someone you know with a disability, have experienced VANE in any area of life, you are invited to share your experience with the Royal Commission. If you wish to do this, all details are available on the Royal Commission website, under ‘Share Your Story’. Alternatively, Baptist Care SA can provide support if you wish – please reach out to your Coordinator for further support and information.

The DRC continues to explore VANE of people with disability across various platforms, such as the hearing highlighted above, and have been recently granted their request for an extension until September 2023.

If you would like any further information or to discuss this data or the DRC in general, please feel free to contact Chelsea Arnold on 8273 7100 or [email protected].

Chelsea Arnold
Project Officer