In the last week of February, the Royal Commission continued its public hearings, focusing on children and young people, as well as South Australia’s intervention order system.
On Tuesday, 25 February, witnesses with expertise in domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) provided insight into the impact of violence on children. The session reinforced the importance of recognising children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right.
On the following day, hearings focused on South Australia’s intervention order system, examining how it can be more effective in protecting those at risk. Embolden’s General Manager Mary Leaker provided evidence, representing the specialist DFSV sector. Both sessions are available to view via the Royal Commission website here.
This month, Embolden outlined the DFSV sector’s key priorities for the 2025-26 State Budget in a letter to the Premier. Embolden also made a submission on the State Government’s draft Liquor Licensing (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill, advocating for stronger prevention of alcohol-related harms, including domestic, family and sexual violence.
Embolden also held our first webinar in a series of online sessions designed for frontline staff and leaders within Embolden’s member specialist DFSV services. This initial session focused on recent changes to strangulation legislation in SA, with best practice guidance on working with clients experiencing strangulation. Speakers included representatives from the Law Society of SA, Women’s Health NSW and Cedar Health Service.
Earlier in February, Embolden team member Bindy Taylor attended the Women in Leadership Summit. A highlight of the event was a panel discussion on creating safer work environments and supporting employees experiencing domestic and family violence.