Child victims of domestic violence in South Australia have shared their distressing experiences during a royal commission, revealing incidents of physical and emotional abuse. The testimonies of 53 teenagers, aged between 13 and 18, highlight the severe impact of domestic violence on their lives, including feelings of being “unloved” and ignored when they sought help. The findings are detailed in an 84-page report authored by researcher Kate Fitz-Gibbon.
Many young individuals recounted being beaten and confined within their own homes, yet they expressed frustration at the lack of acknowledgement from those around them. Some reported “relying on luck” to access support services, which they found inadequate or unresponsive. The report stresses that some schools failed to recognize visible signs of abuse, such as bruises, crying, and withdrawal from social interactions.
One poignant quote from a 16-year-old First Nations boy encapsulates the pervasive feeling of neglect: “I’m not very loved.” Another 18-year-old boy articulated a similar sentiment, stating, “Sometimes I feel like they do not really value me, or perhaps they do not love me; that deep love doesn’t exist.”
Wide Range of Abuse Reported
According to Dr. Fitz-Gibbon, the participants experienced a “broad spectrum” of domestic, family, and sexual violence from various family members, including parents and siblings. The report documents instances of physical abuse, ranging from slapping and pushing to severe beatings. Additionally, many described emotional and verbal abuse, including belittling, threats, and psychological manipulation.
One girl recounted missing a week of school due to injuries sustained at home, as her parents prioritized their “image” over her well-being. She reflected on her extended family’s reaction to her injuries, stating, “My cousins were almost in tears… I just feel for them so much because they were probably gobsmacked themselves.” Another boy illustrated the lasting impact of sexual abuse, saying, “It makes you become scared of people.”
The report also detailed accounts of coercive control, where children faced environments filled with constant surveillance and isolation. Dr. Fitz-Gibbon noted that some children were punished in extreme ways, including being deprived of basic needs as a form of control. One boy recalled how his parents stripped his bedroom as punishment for minor infractions, stating, “I got water brought to me, food brought to me three times a day.”
Barriers to Disclosure and Need for Reform
Dr. Fitz-Gibbon highlights the “profound” barriers children face when attempting to disclose incidents of domestic violence. Many expressed fears of disbelief, family loyalty pressures, and shame. Even when disclosures were made, young people often felt their experiences were dismissed or minimized.
For instance, one 18-year-old stated, “When I first experienced domestic violence, I was not able to tell anyone. I was small.” Another girl added, “I couldn’t speak to anyone. I was scared of being labelled bad.” The report revealed that many children found school environments to be unsafe and unhelpful, where visible signs of abuse went unacknowledged.
The report was commissioned by the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence in South Australia. Dr. Fitz-Gibbon remarked that young people felt invisible within adult-centric systems that treated them merely as extensions of their caregivers. She noted, “In the absence of a coordinated, youth-focused system, young people’s ability to access timely, appropriate support often relied on luck.”
Dr. Fitz-Gibbon argues for urgent systemic reform to better support young victims of domestic violence. She emphasizes the need for more trauma-informed, youth-specific services that are culturally safe and accessible. The report stresses that young victims know what they need: safety, belief in their experiences, and age-appropriate support systems.
The final report with recommendations will be presented to the South Australian government next month by Natasha Stott Despoja, the royal commissioner leading this critical inquiry. Young people experiencing domestic violence deserve recognition and effective support tailored to their unique needs.
