The Disability Royal Commission is hearing evidence from people with disability who have experienced various forms of violence and abuse in public places, often at the hands of strangers. An expert witness will highlight the extent of this problem, which has been described as endemic in the lives of people with disability.
Lived experience witnesses and experts from Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia will give evidence at the five-day hearing that began on October 10.
The hearing will also identify what is currently known about the prevalence and impacts of violence and abuse in public places. This includes data collection; looking at existing state police initiatives and training that may assist in encouraging reporting of violence and abuse incidents in public places; examine other reporting and safeguarding mechanisms available for people with disability, and address online abuse targeting people with disability.
The hearing is being live-streamed on the homepage of the Royal Commission website.