The Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) brings together people with lived experience of domestic, family and sexual violence to share their insights and help improve policies, programs and services across South Australia.
The South Australian Government is creating the LEAG following the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence’s recommendation in ensuring people with lived experience of domestic, family and sexual violence have a clear and direct voice in government decision-making.
The group is made up of members from the adult Lived Experience Advisory Network (LEAN), and meet with the Minister for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence to share their expertise and provide advice to the South Australian Government.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) process is open for eligible LEAN members who wish to join the group.
LEAG members
LEAG members use their lived experience, knowledge and skills to provide advice to the Minister and the South Australian Government on domestic, family and sexual violence issues.
The group will consist of up to 12 members, including a chairperson. Meetings will be held four times a year, with options to participate both online and in-person.
Members are expected to attend and prepare for meetings, review agenda items and related materials, and contribute their lived experience to discussions. They will help maintain a safe and respectful environment, keep shared information confidential, and support culturally safe and compassionate discussions where diverse perspectives are valued.
Benefits of being a LEAG member
Key benefits of being a LEAG member include:
- Having a direct voice to government
Members provide advice directly to the Minister for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, helping to ensure government decisions, policies and reforms are informed by lived experience. - Making a real impact for victim‑survivors
Members contribute to shaping policies, programs and system reforms that aim to improve responses and outcomes for people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence. - Recognition of lived experience as expertise
Lived experience is recognised as a valuable form of knowledge and expertise, equal to professional and academic perspectives. Members participate in a formal government advisory role. - Paid participation
Members are remunerated for their time as the group is a formal government committee, in line with SA Government boards and committees’ arrangements. - A supportive, culturally safe environment
Members are part of a group that prioritises cultural safety, compassion, respect and diverse perspectives, with clear principles guiding how members work together. - Skill development and learning opportunities
Members may access training, professional development and consultation opportunities that build confidence, skills and understanding of government processes. - Connection with others with lived experience
Participation offers opportunities to connect with people who have diverse lived experiences of domestic, family and sexual violence, fostering peer connection, shared learning and mutual support.
Requirements of LEAG members
All LEAG members must meet the following criteria:
- Have lived experience of domestic, family or sexual violence
- Must be a current member of the Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Lived Experience Advisory Network (LEAN)
- Be a South Australian resident
- Are over 18 years of age
Please note - The South Australian Government is currently co-creating a Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Lived Experience Advisory Network for children and young people. More information will be available later in 2026.
Expressions of interest for the LEAG group are open
Members of the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Lived Experience Advisory Network (LEAN) can submit an expression of interest to join the LEAG. If you are not a member, you can register your interest through Embolden. After joining the LEAN, you can return and apply for the LEAG.
To assist your submission, please see:
- Terms of Reference (PDF 479.3 KB)
- Self-Reflection questions (DOCX 235.1 KB)
- Frequently asked questions (PDF 262.0 KB)
Expression of Interest
Please note this form asks about your experiences of domestic, family and/or sexual violence. You are welcome to share only what feels safe and comfortable for you. Reflecting on experiences of domestic, family and/or sexual violence may be distressing. You can visit Finding Help to get support.
The form will take between 30 and 45 minutes to complete and must be completed in one sitting. You can download the MS Word version to see all the questions before answering and return when you are ready.
Submit an expression of interest online
Download a copy of the questions (DOCX 206.6 KB)
If you need this form in an alternative language or format, please email dfsvlivedexperience@sa.gov.au.
Due to the anticipated high level of interest and applications and the need to balance a range of experiences and perspectives, individual feedback will not be provided, and there is no process to request a review of selection decisions.
More information
For more information about the Lived Experience Advisory Group, email dfsvlivedexperience@sa.gov.au.