The South Australian government has announced it will hold a royal commission into family and domestic violence following the horrific alleged murders of several women in recent weeks.
On Wednesday, Premier Peter Malinauskas and his government met with several domestic violence prevention groups, including 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty, to discuss the importance of the inquiry and what it will look like.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Malinauskas said the royal commission will not exceed 12 months in length.
“It will not be a royal commission that drags on for years, as we have seen some other recent royal commissions in Australia,” the Premier said.
“Domestic violence is particularly insidious where it affects innocent women and also has a profound impact on children that really distorts their trajectory in life as a whole and we need to do something and do more about it.”
The announcement comes as South Australia has experienced an uptick in domestic and family violence related deaths.
The alleged murder of an 85-year-old grandmother in Adelaide was the sixth woman allegedly killed at the hands of male violence in 18 days. Four of those women were killed in just one week.
“The government has been satisfied that there is a need for a royal commission in South Australia into family and domestic violence,” Premier Malinauskas said.
Rosie Batty was given the title of Australian of the Year in 2015 for her advocacy in the space, after her 11-year-old son Luke was brutally murdered by his father. She was involved in the “round table discussions” on the royal commission and spoke to reporters following the government’s announcement.
“We cannot keep doing the same as what we’ve been doing because we are failing too many people,” she said.
The Commissioner of the inquiry, as well as terms of reference, are expected to be announced no later than February.
The public raised their voice, the government listened
Public pressure was certainly a factor in the government’s announcement this week.
Last month, thousands of people gathered in protests around the state to campaign for a royal commission in response to the six women killed in 18 days.
Organisations and politicians acknowledged and thanked both the public for raising their voice, and the government for choosing to listen.
The Zahra Foundation, an advocacy organisation in honour of Zahra Abrahimzadeh who was publicly murdered by her husband, was involved in campaigning for the royal commission and was pleased with the announcement.
“We know that when the Royal Commission listens to women and the frontline workers who support them that we will learn what is helping women to find safety from men’s violence in our State and what barriers there are in the system that prevents women and their children to be free from abuse,” the foundation wrote in a social media post.
“Thank you to every person who raised their voice – and who will continue to advocate with us – for a future where any woman experiencing violence and abuse can access the support they need, for as long as they need it, wherever they live across South Australia.”
South Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young also congratulated the state government for its announcement.
“This is a welcome move,” she wrote on social media.
“The community, women’s groups and those on the front line of this domestic violence epidemic have been demanding action.
“It’s good to see the government listen!”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
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