Overview
Led by Dr Linda Steele, in collaboration with Dr Dinesh Wadiwel (University of Sydney) and Dr Claire Spivakovsky (University of Melbourne), this research examines the effectiveness of complaint mechanisms available to people with disabilities for reporting violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The report assesses whether these mechanisms guarantee equal access to justice, provide protection from violence, and facilitate system change. The research explores challenges within current complaint systems, including their fit for purpose, alignment with other reporting avenues, and potential to drive systemic reform.
How we support positive change
This project provides the Disability Royal Commission with recommendations on designing accessible, inclusive complaint mechanisms that offer justice beyond traditional legal pathways. Guided by human rights principles, the research proposes an ideal framework for complaint mechanisms, addressing procedural justice, violence prevention, and effective reporting pathways. Additionally, it maps the current Australian complaint mechanism landscape, highlighting common limitations and opportunities for improvement.
Find out more
For more details, access the research paper: Complaint Mechanisms: Reporting Pathways for Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation.