With Courage: takeaways from the SA Royal Commission into Domestic, Family, & Sexual Violence

Domestic, family and sexual violence is not just a personal tragedy — it is a legal, social, and community crisis. In August 2025, the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence handed down its final report, With Courage: South Australia’s vision beyond violence.

This report marks a turning point. It shines a light on the shortcomings of our current system and offers a roadmap for meaningful change. For those affected — and for the professionals who work alongside them — it is essential reading. For OYB, it reinforces why our work is so important: helping people navigate legal processes at their most vulnerable, while advocating for a fairer and safer system.

Why the Royal Commission Was Established

The Royal Commission was established after 4 women in South Australia were all killed in the same week in 2023.

It examines prevention, early intervention, crisis response, recovery, and the justice system.

Over 5,000 people contributed. More than 1,300 were victim-survivors who bravely shared their experiences. Their voices sit at the heart of the recommendations.

The Commission’s Vision for a Safer SA

“A South Australia free from domestic, family and sexual violence — where all people live with dignity, equality and safety.”

To get there, 136 reforms have been recommended.

Key Findings: A System Failing Survivors

The Commission found that:

• The system is fragmented – agencies and services work in silos.

• Survivors face unsafe barriers – many are retraumatised when seeking help.

• Perpetrators are not held accountable quickly enough.

• Children’s needs are overlooked – even though they are often direct victims.

• Services are under-resourced, especially in regional South Australia.

• Vulnerable groups face extra barriers – First Nations people, people with disability, and culturally diverse communities in particular.

The blunt truth: our current system is not keeping people safe.

Family Law Services and Key Reforms

1. A Minister for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence - A dedicated portfolio to drive reform and accountability.

2. A Statewide Strategy - A five-year plan with clear goals, funding and targets.

3. Trauma-Informed Courts - Court processes redesigned to protect survivors: training for judges, flexible ways of giving evidence, and recognition of coercive control.

• Learn more about the new law criminalising coercive control.

4. Holistic Support Services - From safe housing to legal advice, survivors need help beyond the immediate crisis.

5. Education and Prevention - Teaching respect, equality and non-violence in schools and communities.

6. Perpetrator Accountability - More effective policing and intervention programs to stop violence continuing.

Legal Implications for Victims and Families

For anyone experiencing violence, these reforms may lead to:

• Broader protections under the law – including recognition of coercive control and psychological abuse.

• Safer court experiences – less intimidating processes and stronger protections for children.

• Better access to legal support – more funding for Legal Aid and community legal services.

• Greater accountability – stronger oversight of police, courts, and government agencies.

For families, this means stronger safeguards when navigating family law disputes, intervention orders, and child custody arrangements.

Trauma-Informed Legal Advice in South Australia

At our firm, we provide trauma-informed legal services. That means:

• Listening with empathy and without judgment.

• Explaining legal options clearly in plain English.

• Protecting clients from further harm during court processes.

• Working with support services to ensure safety and recovery.

For guidance, see the Law Society of South Australia – Find a Lawyer.

Child Protection and Family Violence Cases

One of the strongest messages from the Commission is that children must no longer be invisible in the system.

As lawyers, we advocate for children’s safety in intervention order application, the youth court and child protection cases. This includes seeking arrangements that prioritise wellbeing, and supporting intervention orders that safeguard children as victims in their own right.

Perpetrator Accountability: What the Law May Change

The Commission emphasises that people who use violence must be held responsible. This may lead to:

• Expanded intervention order powers.

• New criminal offences for coercive control.

• Mandatory programs for perpetrators.

See SA Police information on Domestic Violence & Reporting Abuse.

Resources and Support Services

• Emergency: Call 000.

• 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

• Women’s Information Service SA

• SA Police – Domestic Violence

• Child Protection Services SA

• Legal Services Commission SA

• Women’s Legal Service SA

How OYB can help

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family or sexual violence, our lawyers can assist with:

• Intervention Orders – urgent applications to keep you safe.

  • See Legal Services Commission - Intervention Order Brochure

• Child Protection Law – ensuring the best interests of children are prioritised.

• Criminal Law Advice – navigating charges related to domestic or sexual violence.

• Victim of Crime Compensation Application - financial support for injuries or losses

  • See Victim of Crime

• Referrals to Support Services – connecting you with safe housing, counselling and crisis services

  • See Women’s Information Service SA

Looking Ahead: A Safer, Fairer Future

The With Courage report is more than a policy document. It is a call to action for government, the community, and the legal profession.

At OYB, we commit to:

• Staying across every legislative change.

• Advocating for trauma-informed court processes.

• Providing strong, compassionate representation for survivors.

• Ensuring children’s voices and safety are at the centre of every case.

Final Word

Domestic, family and sexual violence is one of the most pressing issues facing South Australia. The Royal Commission has provided a clear roadmap for change. Now it is up to all of us — government, communities, and the legal profession — to act with courage.

As a law firm, our promise is simple: to provide expert legal advice with empathy, clarity, and determination, so that survivors and families can rebuild their lives in safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I apply for an Intervention Order in South Australia?

You can apply directly through the Magistrates Court of South Australia either by yourself or using a lawyer. A lawyer can guide you through the process, help prepare evidence, and represent you in court if needed.

• See Magistrate’s Court - Intervention Orders

Alternatively, you can go to police and they will decide whether they will make an application on your behalf.

• See SAPOL - Intervention Orders

What is coercive control and is it illegal in South Australia?

Coercive control refers to patterns of behaviour that isolate, intimidate, or control another person without necessarily involving physical violence. It was criminalised in South Australia earlier this month, read the Attorney General’s update here.

Can I get free legal help for domestic violence matters?

Yes. Services such as Legal Services Commission of South Australia and Women’s Legal Service SA may provide free advice. Our firm also offers confidential consultations and can refer you to additional support services.

Will the Royal Commission’s recommendations change the law?

Yes it is likely it will. The government is currently reviewing the recommendations and we will provide an update in due course.

This OYBlog was made with AI assitance based on the following source - https://www.royalcommissiondfsv.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1174695/With-Courage-Report.pdf