DVSC to lead inquiry into military sexual violence
An inquiry implementing recommendation 25 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (Royal Commission) found that sexual violence remains a systemic issue for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and is linked to suicide and suicidality. They said,
“This has been the case for decades, and it will continue unless the ADF commits to deep, systemic reform.”
Military sexual violence disproportionately affects women and can greatly impact their experience of military service. The fact that ex-serving women are twice as likely to die by suicide than women in the community who have not served in the ADF cannot be ignored.
In accordance with legislation, Minister Keogh, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, requested the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC) to lead an independent inquiry into military sexual violence within the ADF.
This inquiry will implement recommendation 25 made by the Royal Commission and aligns with the DVSC’s remit to inquire into issues relating to systemic reform to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF members.
The Minister will provide terms of reference for the inquiry and has engaged the Australian Human Rights Commission to consult over the next couple of months on a draft terms of reference. The draft Terms of Reference are on the Australian Human Rights Commission’s website.
It is anticipated the inquiry will consider any ADF reforms underway in response to recommendations 14–24 of the Final Report of the Royal Commission regarding military sexual violence and make additional and specific recommendations to improve ADF responses to military sexual violence.
The inquiry will commence by mid-2026 and the DVSC will publish a report of the findings.
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