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 enquiry, independent of government, that looks closely at a widely reported problem or issue impacting on vulnerable groups.

The job of the Royal Commission is to gather stories and evidence from people with disability who are experiencing or have experienced violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and their witnesses. Royal Commissions make recommendations to government about what should change. The Royal Commission is for all people with disability.

What does Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation mean?

Violence If someone is hurting your body

Abuse If someone is treating you badly

Neglect If someone is not helping you the way they are supposed to help you

Exploitation If someone is taking advantage of you

Who is in charge and makes decisions?

Six Commissioners have been appointed to run the Royal Commission to listen to stories and gather evidence. The Royal Commissioners are not part of the government. Our First Nations Commissioner is Andrea Mason, OAM, a Ngaanyatjarra and Kronie woman from Western Australia.

Sharing your story

Staying safe: The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of people with disability can trigger bad memories or feelings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people with disability, their families, carers and communities.

If you tell your story to the Royal Commission your identity and story is confidential and can’t be shared with anyone without your permission.

If you feel scared, unsafe or just need someone to talk to there are free services that can support you with your Royal Commission journey. Your privacy and identity will be protected by these services. Click to find the right service for you below.

Trauma and Counselling support services

Blue Knot Foundation Counselling and Referral Support phone 1800 421 468

Beyond Blue Support Service – phone 1300 224 636, webchat or email (24 hours/7 days) for free, immediate, short-term counselling, advice and referral services.

Beyond Blue immediate support

Lifeline Crisis Support – phone 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days) or chat to a crisis supporter online (7pm – midnight/7 nights). This is a confidential service providing you with support for when you feel overwhelmed, for when you have difficulty coping, or are thinking about suicide.

1800Respect – phone 1800 737 732 Open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse

Relationships Australia

Disability Royal Commission Counselling Services

To access a Relationships Australia service near you, please find details below:

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Relationships Australia Canberra and Region provides services in ACT and surrounding region.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone: 02 6122 7100
Email: [email protected]

New South Wales (NSW)
Relationships Australia New South Wales provides services in NSW.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone: (02) 9418 8800
Email: [email protected]

Victoria (VIC)
Relationships Australia Victoria provides services in VIC.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone: 1 800 317 387
Email: [email protected]

Tasmania (TAS)
Relationships Australia Tasmania provides services in TAS.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone: 1300 364 277

South Australia (SA)
Relationships Australia South Australia provides services in SA.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone: 1 800 577 571
Email: [email protected]

Western Australia (WA)
Relationships Australia Western Australia provides services in WA.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone: 08 6164 0180
Email: [email protected]

Northern Territory (NT)
Relationships Australia Northern Territory provides services in NT.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone:
Darwin: (08) 8923 4999
Alice Springs: (08) 8950 4100
Email: [email protected]

If you have difficulty hearing or speaking

If you find it difficult to hear or speak you can contact us through the National Relay Service (NRS). Please phone 133 677.

Other Languages

If you require support in another language, including Indigenous languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) free of charge on 131 450 and ask to be connected to the National Counselling and Referral Service on 1800 421 468.

Find an advocate to help you

If you think you might want to tell your story to the Royal Commission but need advice or support, you have the right to talk to someone about it first and decide if you want to participate. These services can help you to tell your story. Find an advocate to help near you.

find an advocate

I want to tell my story to the Royal Commission

There are a few different ways you can tell your story to the Royal Commission. You have the right to be supported by a family member, friend or someone you trust.

A Royal Commission Counselling and Support team are available to help you with counselling and support at all community forums, public hearings or private sessions,

You can share your story in your first language, including Indigenous languages and Auslan.

Find more information below.

How it works

The Process

Make your submission

You can make a submission in writing, over the phone, in a video or audio recording.

Make your submission now

Private Session

You can tell your story in a private session with a Commissioner. You can ask to speak privately with our First Nations Commissioner Andrea Mason.

Factsheet

Apply for a private session

Get help with your submission

Find an advocate

I’m in an unsafe situation and I need help: If you are currently experiencing any form of violence or abuse, or are concerned for your safety call Emergency Services on 000