Roger Cook claimed that his government is committed to doing all it can to end FDV with Family Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski said the level of funding is unprecedented.
BREAKING: Western Australia is launching an unprecedented $109.9 million funding package to combat the alarming 16% surge in domestic violence offences, as revealed by The West Australian. This urgent initiative will be unveiled on Monday during the 16 Days in WA Seven West Business Breakfast, marking a critical step in the nationwide campaign to eliminate violence against women.
The funding will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Family and Domestic Violence Response Teams, expanding their operations to seven days a week and increasing staff numbers. These teams are a collaboration among WA Police, the Department of Communities, and the Department of Justice, focused on providing timely interventions for victims.
“My government is committed to doing all it can to end family and domestic violence in WA,” stated Premier Roger Cook. He emphasized that every West Australian deserves a sense of security in their homes, workplaces, and communities. This new investment brings the total funding for domestic violence initiatives in WA to a staggering $707.6 million.
Statistics reveal that WA Police responded to over 125 family assault or threatening behavior calls daily during the last financial year. With 45,977 offences recorded, this marks a significant increase from the 2023-24 year and doubles the rate seen in 2016-17. The urgency of this funding comes in light of incidents highlighting gaps in police response, like last week’s case where a victim was initially turned away from a Perth police station when attempting to report a breach.
In addition to expanding response teams, the funding will allocate $45.8 million towards the Family and Domestic Violence System Reform Plan, which includes crucial training for first responders on coercive control. There will also be enhancements to the Safe at Home program for victim-survivors and behavior-change programs for offenders.
Refuges in Albany, Broome, and Midland will see a boost of nearly $15 million to increase capacity, as revealed by Sharon Gough, CEO of Indigo Junction. “In the last year, we’ve had to turn away 1,500 requests for accommodation for women in crisis,” she noted, highlighting the desperate need for expanded services.
Furthermore, $19.4 million will be directed towards counselling services, addressing the mental health needs of those affected by domestic violence. Jessica Stojkovski, Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, underscored the importance of a collective community effort in preventing violence, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable.
“This record investment backs more staff in Family and Domestic Violence Response Teams and expands refuges across Albany, Broome, and Midland,” she stated.
As this funding package rolls out, the focus remains on immediate and effective responses to the growing crisis of domestic violence. The community and officials alike are urged to engage in support initiatives, ensuring that victims receive the protection and assistance they urgently need.
Stay tuned for further updates as this critical situation develops.
