Every person has the right to enjoy living their life free from all forms of abuse and exploitation. But in reality, people with a disability are at greater risk of violence than those who do not have any disabilities. Based on a report, 64% of people with disability in Australia said they experienced violence, including physical and sexual. Of those interviewed, people with cognitive and psychological impairments reported experiencing more violence. This is the reason why the Disability Royal Commission is fulfilling a crucial role in helping to prevent and stop the abuse and violence committed against people with disability.
The Disability Royal Commission, was founded in Australia on April 4, 2019. It aimed to act on the rising community concern about reported incidents of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation against people with disability. This is helping to ensure that Australia offers a more inclusive society for everyone. Like other Royal Commissions that investigate significant societal matters, the Disability Royal Commission in Australia focused and worked, particularly on issues that concerned people with disability.
6 Main Responsibilities of the Disability Royal Commission
1. Investigate reported cases of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation committed towards people with disability.
Seven appointed commissioners investigated issues of reported violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. These terms had important meanings because they described the issues the Disability Royal Commission investigated.
- Violence and abuse – cover an array of behaviours that inflict hurt or treat people living with disability unfavourably. These adverse actions can be assault, sexual abuse, forced interventions, humiliation, and harassment, among others that are done repeatedly.
- Neglect – it means not giving any assistance to people with disability the way they are supposed to receive help. It involves depriving them of necessities in life including food, water, shelter, clothing, education, mobility, and access to vital services like medical care and treatment.
- Exploitation – this happens when someone takes advantage of individuals with a disability. Improper actions include getting money without their permission, taking their important resources like food, water, or shelter, and making a profit from them.
The Disability Royal Commission carefully investigated, examined, and reported incidents that happened in all places like the following:
- family homes
- schools
- workplaces
- hospitals
- group homes or boarding houses
- Day programs
2. Conduct public hearings
The Disability Royal Commission conducted public hearings where witnesses such as people with disability, their families, and other support people presented and shared evidence of violence, abuse, neglect, or exploitation. These public hearings were recorded and streamed live on the website of the Royal Commission. Each public hearing had live captioning and Auslan-English interpreters. By sharing personal experiences, the Disability Royal Commission learned more about the range of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation that people with disability have experienced and how these can be avoided in the future. Those who wanted to share their stories and experiences submitted information online, in writing, by telephone, by email, and by video or audio recording.
3. Protect the identity of witnesses and the information gathered
It is normal for people to have apprehensions when coming forward to stand as a witness and share their personal experience of violence, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, or that of others they know. It was in this regard that the Disability Royal Commission in Australia aimed to protect people who bravely shared stories. The Royal Commission used the submitted information in public documents. The information was only published when the person who provided it gave full consent. The Disability Royal Commission did not disclose the name of the person and protected the identity of the witness and the information even after the Royal Commission concluded.
4. Hold private sessions
The Disability Royal Commission held private sessions where people with disability, families, and supporters shared pertinent information about violence, abuse, neglect, or exploitation with a Royal Commissioner. The sessions were conducted in person, on the telephone, or by video conferencing. All shared information in a private session was strictly confidential and could not be used as evidence against a witness in criminal or civil proceedings in an Australian court.
5. Offer counselling and support services
Sharing personal experiences of violence, abuse, neglect, or exploitation with others is difficult and painful. The Disability Royal Commission provided counselling services to support individuals who shared their stories. Its counselling team attended public hearings, private sessions, and community forums to give counselling and support to anyone.
6. Provide legal financial assistance
There were several ways how to be eligible to receive legal financial assistance:
- when you were called or permitted leave to appear as a witness during a hearing of the Disability Royal Commission
- when you were asked to attend or attending an interview conducted by the Royal Commission
- when you were required to provide necessary information or a written statement that will be used by the Royal Commission as evidence
- when you were complying with a notice asking you to produce issued by the Disability Royal Commission
The Final Report was made by the Disability Royal Commission and presented to the Australian Government on September 29, 2023. Included in the Final Report were 222 recommendations on how to enhance laws, policies, structures, and practices concerning people with disability so they can live without suffering from any forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
ALSO READ: Qualities and outcomes of effective support for people with disability
The Disability Royal Commission in Australia gathered essential information through investigation, public hearings, and private sessions concerning violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation committed against people with disability. While possibly fearing retribution, the courage displayed by people who shared their stories is commendable. It is through their experiences that the Disability Royal Commission was able to come up with a Final Report that suggested improved laws, policies, structures, and practices. This will help protect people with disability and ensure that Australia will have a more inclusive and equal society.
People with disability deserve proper care and support so they can live their lives to the fullest. This is what Living My Way has been doing since 1992 through its NDIS disability support services. Its reliable Support Workers undergo accredited training to provide a professional level of support and care to clients. Our Support Workers can support your independence, understand, and provide professional care for you. Are you looking for experienced and qualified Support Workers whom you can trust and depend on? Living My Way can assist you.
