South Australia’s royal commission into domestic, family and sexual violence officially launches

Veteran politician Natasha Stott Despoja will helm the 12-month probe into the domestic violence “epidemic”.

South Australia’s royal commission into domestic, family and sexual violence has officially launched, with the Premier and Commissioner both voicing their commitment to fixing the problem.

Royal Commissioner Natasha Stott Despoja is leading a 12-month, $3m probe into how to better protect women and children.

The inquiry’s official beginning is Monday, with public hearings scheduled for later this year.

An “issues paper” released Monday outlines key themes and areas of interest for inquiry into the state’s domestic, family and sexual violence systems.

Public submissions on the paper will be open from this Friday via the Commission’s website.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the commission aimed to influence change.

“Domestic violence, throughout the nation, represents a huge problem,” he said.

“Tragically, we get reminded of this essentially on a monthly basis as more and more statistics come out that demonstrate the raw size of the problem.”

Ms Stott Despoja said Monday was “day one”, and the inquiry would focus on hearing from survivors and those who worked in the system.

Natasha Stott Despoja AO is leading South Australia’s royal commission into domestic, family and sexual violence. Picture: state government

“This is an important day,” she said.

“We know, the World Health Organisation tells us, that violence against women is an epidemic. I believe it is a national emergency.

“In our state of South Australia, we’re actually seeking to do something meaningful about it so that we can achieve change, hopefully generational change.”

Women and prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence minister Katrine Hildyard said “we are resolute in our support for survivors – they will be heard”.

“I look forward to receiving the recommendations, and encourage everyone across government, community and business to share their views and experiences and think about the role they can play in helping to prevent and end this terrible scourge,” se said.

Over the weekend, The Advertiser revealed almost 10,000 South Australian men have been named on a watchlist of domestic violence abusers – including hundreds who have left three or more victims in their wake.

And growing numbers of perpetrators are repeatedly breaching court orders meant to protect their victims, including one who was charged up to 40 times.