A spate of recent violent deaths. Including an Encounter Bay woman, has led to the state government announcing a Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.

The decision follows a roundtable attended by 30 people including Premier Peter Malinauskas, Ministers, senior public servants, and South Australia Police along with representatives of the domestic and family violence sectors and advocates.

In making the decision, the government reviewed findings of Victoria’s 2016 Royal Commission into Family Violence, and Queensland’s Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce in 2021 and 2022.

The review found that while both reports provide valuable insight for next steps, neither provide immediate recommendations which can be implemented in a South Australian context.

The state government has implemented a range of legislative measures, preventative actions and policies, and recovery options to tackle domestic, family and sexual violence.

Early next year it will introduce legislation to criminalise coercive control, an insidious and far too often invisible form of domestic and family violence.

It will now work with experts to determine the Terms of Reference for a Royal Commission, to conclude within a 12 month timeframe.

Premier Peter Malinauskas is expected to announce the Terms of Reference and a Royal Commissioner early next year.

“The recent deaths experienced in our state were a horrendous reminder of how far our society still has to go in addressing the scourge of domestic violence,” Mr Malinauskas says.

“This unfortunate truth is that this problem is not new. Nor is it going away. As a society, we must do better.

“I am satisfied that a South Australian Royal Commission is the best course of action we can take to ensure we have the full evidence base to drive the most effective change.”

Some resources available to Fleurieu residents who need help to deal with domestic and family violence:

• Haven – Goolwa library - 0499 407 237 or email .

• The Yellow Gate,  Southern Domestic Violence Prevention and Recovery Hub, Noarlunga Centre.

• Aldinga Beach Children's Centre - 0436 677 468 or email.

• 1800 Respect - Domestic violence national hotline1800 737 732. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• 24/7 Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491 - Don’t Become That Man: 1300 24 34 13 or visit the website.

For more information visit the Office for Women website.