Members of the Parliament of Western Australia have united, calling for a stop to violence against women, acknowledging that it has wide-ranging effects on victims and their families, on communities, and on society as a whole.
The bipartisan group of 54 MPs and Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of Western Australia gathered on the steps of Parliament House today, proudly displaying orange ‘Stop the Violence’ badges in support of the 16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women campaign.
With 50,000 family and domestic violence incidents reported in WA in 2016-17, this is not a problem confined to any one location. This is a State-wide issue that requires a whole of community response.
In Western Australia, the WA Government is working hard to respond to family and domestic violence in the community through victim safety; perpetrator accountability; a responsive justice system; and early intervention and prevention.
The campaign is the Government’s contribution to the United Nations’ annual ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign. It marks the 16 days between the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (also White Ribbon Day) on November 25 and Human Rights Day on December 10.
The Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline (9223 1188 or freecall 1800 007 339) is a State-wide, 24-hour service. It provides support for women experiencing family and domestic violence.
1800RESPECT (freecall 1800 737 732) is a national online sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
Campaign resources and additional information is available at https://www.communities.wa.gov.au/about/projects-and-programs