The Zahra Foundation calls for a Royal Commission
Zahra Foundation Australia stands united with Embolden, South Australia’s peak body, in advocating for a Royal Commission into domestic, family, and sexual violence in South Australia.
In the aftermath of the tragic murders of four women in South Australia this week, Zahra Foundation Australia, in collaboration with all Embolden members, urges the government to promptly initiate a Royal Commission into the safety of women in South Australia.
Established in 2015 by Atena, Arman, and Anita Abrahimzadeh, Zahra Foundation Australia aims to honour their mother, Zahra, who fell victim to domestic violence at the Adelaide Convention Centre on March 22, 2010 at the hands of her estranged husband. The family endured 24 years of abuse before Zahra managed leave her husband and start to rebuild her life. Zahra’s tragic death had a profound impact on South Australia.
While South Australia initially led the way in responding to domestic and family violence with changes in systems and services following Zahra’s homicide, there have been no formal reviews to assess their effectiveness. 15 years later, the Foundation’s Founder and CEO express deep concerns about the current responses to domestic, family and sexual violence in South Australia.
Embolden wrote to Premier Malinauskas in October seeking an urgent meeting following the deaths of two other women before this week. We are devastated that another four South Australia women have lost their lives at the hands of men and believe this requires immediate and significant action.
We demand a comprehensive review of services, systems and Government investment to ensure that the women of South Australia never experience another week like this. Zahra Foundation Australia is incredibly grateful for the generosity of our supporters. We invite you stand with us on the steps of Parliament House at 9am this Friday the 24th of November to call on our Government to commit to an independent Royal Commission into women’s experiences within our services and systems. Join with us to demand change.
Thank you for your ongoing support.