South Australia seeks answers on ‘emergency’ of violence

South Australia has launched a royal commission into domestic, family and sexual violence, with victim-survivors urged to come forward.

Former senator Natasha Stott Despoja will chair the royal commission. Picture: NewsWire / Gary Ramage

South Australia has launched a royal commission into domestic, family and sexual violence, with victim-survivors urged to come forward.

The year-long $3m inquiry will be chaired by former senator Natasha Stott Despoja, who will have until July 2025 to deliver findings. Submissions can be lodged from Friday.

Ms Stott Despoja said domestic violence was a “terrible scourge” on the state, and its higher rates among Indigenous women “our nation’s shame”.

“My message to victim-survivors is please talk to the commission, but only do so if you are comfortable,” she said. “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.”

Reporting by The Advertiser in Adelaide this week indicated 10,000 SA men were on a domestic violence abuser watchlist. Hundreds were allegedly linked to multiple ­victims.

“The World Health Organisation tells us that violence against women is an epidemic. I believe it is a national emer­gency,” Ms Stott Despoja said.

“The single biggest risk factor for being a victim of domestic, family or sexual violence in Australia today is being female. For me, the high rates of violence against Aboriginal women are our nation’s shame, our particular shame.”

Half of all assaults in the state in the 12 months to April were acts of domestic and family violence, according to Premier Peter Malinauskas. They totalled 12,500 reported offences.

Mr Malinauskas said the figure indicated the “raw size of the problem”.

Various state governments have sought to curb domestic ­violence following a nationwide uptick. The SA royal commission follows a 2015 Victorian royal commission into family ­violence, the first of its kind in Australia.

NSW and Queensland have rolled out educational campaigns to highlight behaviours indicative of coercive control.

Ms Stott Despoja said “everything is on the table” in regards to reform, with a particular focus on preventive measures. Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Katrine Hildyard said early intervention policies would be key.