Last month signalled an important significant milestone for the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence with the commencement of our first Public Hearings.

A total of 14 witnesses appeared over the two days of hearings, which focused on Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence and Housing (Day 1) and Sexual Violence (Day 2).

Full transcripts of each day will be uploaded on to our website here, where you can also review each day’s live stream vision.

I also remind you that our “The Journey So Far” document is available, should you wish to review some of the emerging themes and topics that are being raised with us.

We are now working towards our next Public Hearings, which will be held on 10 and 11 December. Themes being covered include education and effective interventions. More detail and the witness lists will be uploaded to the website in the week prior.

While the upcoming Public Hearings will be a focus for the remainder of the year, the Commission is still continuing with our “listening phase”. Some of our recent sessions have included a visit to the Adelaide Women’s Prison, sitting in on a session with the Adelaide Magistrate’s Court, a visit to the Southern Hub, a meeting with the NPY Women’s Council and a session with the Australian Services Union. I was also privileged to attend a special meeting of the First Nations Voice last week, and I thank everyone involved for that very special opportunity.

The Commission last week also hosted a special forum for Aboriginal frontline workers who provide services to people impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence. I want to thank those who participated, and shared with me their experiences with delivery of these crucial services across the state. I was pleased to have insights from a range of service providers, including Relationships Australia, Ninko Kurtangga Patpangga, Women’s Safety Services, Nunga Mi:Minar, KWY, Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council SA, Cedar Health Service and Yarrow Place.

The next steps for the Commission is to now prepare for our two Public Hearing days next week and then collate the information we are receiving via the Share With Us survey. A quick reminder that the online portal will close on 10 December, so if you have not yet had a chance to share your views, I encourage you to do so within the next two weeks.

Natasha Stott Despoja AO

Commissioner