Donaldson Law welcomes and strongly supports the upcoming Independent Inquiry into Military Sexual Violence in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Established following the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, this Inquiry represents an important opportunity to examine the prevalence and impact of military sexual violence, confront longstanding systemic failures, and drive meaningful and lasting reform within the ADF.

Through our work, we have had the privilege of hearing and representing the experiences of many courageous individuals whose lives have been profoundly affected by sexual violence during their military service.

We have seen firsthand the devastating and enduring consequences these experiences can have, not only on the individuals themselves, but also on their families, relationships, careers and wellbeing.

For many victim-survivors, the harm extends well beyond the sexual violence itself. Experiences of not being believed, inadequate institutional responses, failures to investigate, and the absence of meaningful accountability can compound the original trauma and leave lasting impacts.

We know that these experiences are not isolated. The number of individuals who have come forward, often many years or even decades after their experiences, reinforces the importance of recognising military sexual violence as a systemic issue requiring genuine institutional change.

We strongly believe that victim-survivors deserve to be heard, acknowledged and treated with dignity and respect. Their experiences must be central to understanding what has gone wrong and what needs to change.

We hope this Inquiry provides an opportunity for greater transparency, accountability and meaningful reform, including improvements to the prevention of sexual violence, the handling of complaints, the protection of those who speak out, and the support available to victim-survivors.

Importantly, the Inquiry must be more than an opportunity to recognise past failures. It must contribute to lasting cultural and institutional change, ensuring that current and future members of the ADF are better protected and that those who experience sexual violence are met with appropriate support, respect and accountability.

Lived Experience Advisory Group – Applications Now Open

As part of the Inquiry, applications are now open for the Lived Experience Advisory Group, which will provide an important opportunity for people with lived experience of military sexual violence to help inform the Inquiry’s work and recommendations.

The Group will include current and former-serving ADF members who have experienced military sexual violence, family members of those affected, and ADF members who have witnessed military sexual violence.

Applications close at 11:59pm (AEDT) on Saturday, 7 November 2026.

We encourage those who feel ready and wish to contribute to consider this opportunity. We also recognise that sharing these experiences can be incredibly difficult, and that participation is a deeply personal decision.

There should never be an expectation that victim-survivors must share their experiences publicly, or revisit their trauma, in order for those experiences to be acknowledged.

At Donaldson Law, we stand in support of those who have experienced military sexual violence, including those who have spoken out, those who are yet to feel ready, and those who may never choose to share their experiences.

Every experience matters. Every victim-survivor deserves to be heard. And meaningful change is long overdue.

For further information about the Inquiry and applications to the Lived Experience Advisory Group, visit:

https://www.dvsc.gov.au/inquiries/MSV

Support is available through Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on
1800 011 046.