The release of the South Australian Royal Commission’s report, With Courage, is an important moment to honour the women and children whose lives have been lost or deeply impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence.
This report has placed lived experience at its center, in particular the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and communities. Over 1300 survivors were consulted over 12 months as part of the process, and we acknowledge their courage in sharing their stories to drive change.
The Commission’s 136 recommendations span prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery, across legislation, policing, community and service systems. This breadth reflects the scale of the challenge, and the need for sustained action at every level of society.
Our Watch was one of many organisations that contributed to the Commission, through submission and direct evidence at the hearings. We thank the Commissioner and her team for the opportunity to contribute to this work.
Our Watch welcomes the Commission’s recognition that primary prevention is the engine of long-term change and the evidence base underpinning primary prevention.
We welcome the key recommendations, including that South Australia implement a statewide strategy with prevention at its core. There are also important recommendations about governance, implementation and monitoring of the recommendations.
We recognise and acknowledge the work of the Commissioner and Commission team and we look forward to working with the Government, the sector and communities to support important reform in South Australia.
Statement attributable to Patty Kinnersly, CEO of Our Watch.
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1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. 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 www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732. Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491.
Access guides for reporting about violence against women and their children.
Our Watch is Australia’s leader in the primary prevention of violence against women. The organisation was created to drive nation-wide change in the practices, norms, and structures that lead to violence against women and children. Read more about Our Watch here.