Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

The Disability Royal Commission wants to hear from all Australians about their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability, and are accepting submissions where you can share your experiences. 

You can still share your story with the Disability Royal Commission during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sharing your story helps the Disability Royal Commission understand the impacts of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation on people with disability.  It will also help the Royal Commission make recommendations to stop it from happening again.

You can make a submission using the submission form. If you find it difficult to use the form, you can also make a submission by phone or email. 

Telephone: 1800 517 199 or 07 3734 1900 (9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday AEDT excluding national public holidays)

Email: DRCenquiries@royalcommission.gov.au

An Easy Read version of the form is also available. 

The Disability Royal Commission will accept submissions in the first language of any person making a submission, including Indigenous languages. 

Submissions made at this stage of the Commission's work will be treated as public documents and will form part of Commission records. You can also find out more information and make arrangements to make a confidential submission by contacting the Office of the Disability Royal Commission by email or phone. 

You can also have your say on the Issues Papers that the Royal Commission is publishing on different topics that may be important to you.

Below is a list of Issues Papers that you can provide your feedback on which are available on the Royal Commission website:

  • Rights and Attitudes
  • Emergency Planning and Response
  • Criminal Justice System
  • Health Care for People with Cognitive Disability
  • Group Homes
  • Education and Learning

 

Visit the Disability Royal Commission website for the latest information about the daly due to the pandemic of the scheduled hearings.  You can also subscribe for updates to let you know about upcoming community forums, hearings or other information.

Information is also available about:

Supports and Assistance

There are a number of Australian Government-funded services available to assist those requiring support during the Royal Commission. These services are provided through agencies external to the Royal Commission.

  • Free legal advisory service - People interested in accessing free legal advisory services as part of their interactions with the Disability Royal Commission can now register their interest with National Legal Aid (NLA) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS).
  • Emotional Support Service - The Department of Social Services, on behalf of the Disability Royal Commission, has launched a national, free counselling and referral service delivered by the Blue Knot Foundation.
  • Legal financial assistance scheme -The legal financial assistance scheme may help individuals and entities to assist with meeting the costs of legal representation and disbursements associated with formal engagement with the Royal Commission. 
  • Advocacy services - Commonwealth-funded advocacy support services are available under the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP). The Department of Social Services has provided additional funding to local NDAP providers, Advocacy for Inclusion and ADACAS.   (For contact details, see this website's Advocacy, information and peer support page)

Trauma-informed counselling is available for people with varying abilities who have had experience of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation during their lives from Relationships Australia Canberra and Region. You can make contact with the service by calling the free national counselling and referral service in the first instance - 1800 421 468 - to obtain support for your emotional wellbeing, support for making choices and telling your story and information on other practical supports available to you.  Alternatively, you can come direct to the service by calling 1800 364 277. 

Factsheet in Auslan

Overview of the Submissions process

 

Making a submission and questions about your experiences 

Visit the Disability Royal Commission YouTube channel for more videos.  

Further information

If you have addtional questions or need assistance: 

  • Email: DRCenquiries@royalcommission.gov.au
  • Telephone: 1800 517 199 or 07 3734 1900 (9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday AEDT excluding national public holidays)
  • Post: GPO Box 1422, Brisbane Qld 4001

An Unnofficial Information Site has been created, using Easy Read language at www.disabilityroyalcommission.com