The Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission has appointed proud Noongar woman Alison Scott as co-chair of the Lived Experience Advisory Council.
As co-chair, Scott’s first engagement will be to convene a national roundtable, as part of the Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches, alongside the Commission.
Established in 2023, the Lived Experience Advisory Council is designed to ensure people with lived and living experience of domestic, family and sexual violence are at the centre of conversations to create and improve policies, systems and services. It’s the first national lived experience council to provide strategic advice to do so, with twelve members having been appointed by the Australian Government.
Scott is a lived experience advocate and has dedicated her life to ending violence. She’s passionate about creating safe communities, addressing inequity, recovery and healing from trauma and empowering First Nations people.
Along with her own experiences of intimate partner and family violence, Scott’s sister was murdered by her husband five years ago. Scott also has extensive experience and networks across Western Australia, in government and Aboriginal communities.
“Lived experience advocates play a crucial role in improving outcomes for victim-survivors. We have an intimate understanding of the issues and need to be involved in all levels of decision-making including funding allocations and system reform,” Scott said.
“Our involvement in cross sector work will directly improve service delivery as we understand what does and does not work for community members and can anticipate unintended consequences that others may overlook.”
“I look forward to working with the Commissioner and Council as we tackle this devastating national crisis.”
The next inaugural national Roundtable into healing is taking place Tuesday in Canberra, and Scott is among several women speaking on the shocking rate of murders of women in Australia.
Already this year, 35 women’s lives have been lost to violence in Australia, according to statistics from Destroy the Joint.
Micaela Cronin, the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, will be at the roundtable as well, saying the discussion “will ensure that we build on a prioritise the work that is happening to end domestic, family and sexual violence.”
As Commissioner to the Advisory Council, Cronin said that Scott will play a key role in supporting members and raising the profile of the work of the Council.
“We know that those who have been impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence deeply understand the challenges and failings of systems and services, they hold critical perspectives on the solutions and must be central to our discussions on ending violence.”
“Alison is a formidable advocate, having brought national attention to family violence after her sister Jessica was murdered, and speaking out about where the services and systems failed Jessica, herself and other Aboriginal women.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732 .
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.