16 days of action to stop violence against women

The McGowan Government is shining a light on the State's horrifying family and domestic violence statistics, reminding all Western Australians they can play a part in stopping the violence.

To highlight the issue, Premier Mark McGowan, and WA's first Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister, Simone McGurk, today launched the State Government's '16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women' campaign at Parliament House.

Family and domestic violence survivors Mary Chetcuti and Judith Congrene stood with the Premier and Minister McGurk today to share their stories of courage and endurance.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of violence against women in WA and encourage communities to take an active role in making change.

Some of WA's recognisable landmarks, including private sector and government properties, will be aglow in orange, serving as a visual reminder about the need to change the conversation and how stopping violence against women is everyone's responsibility.

During the 16 days, the campaign aims to educate - raise awareness of the impact of violence on women, children, and communities; motivate - through positive actions; and advocate - by highlighting organisations working to support victim safety and perpetrator accountability.

16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women - lighting up schedule:

• Bell Tower (November 25);
• Optus Stadium (November 25 to December 10): Multiplex;
• Perth Arena (November 25 to December 10);
• Crown Metropol (November 25 to December 10);
• Doubleview Water Tower (November 25 to December 10): Programmed;
• Elizabeth Quay (November 25 to November 26);
• City of Belmont Civic Centre (November 25 to December 10);
• His Majesty's Theatre (November 25 to December 10);
• King Edward Memorial Hospital (November 25 to December 10);
• Old Mill, South Perth (November 25 to December 10);
• Parliament House (November 23 to December 1);
• State Theatre Centre of WA (November 25 to December 10);
• University of Notre Dame (November 25 to December10);
• Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton (November 25 to December 10);
• Lighting within the town site of Menzies (November 25 to December 10);
• WA Shipwrecks Museum, Fremantle (November 25 to December 10); and
• Museum of the Great Southern, Albany (November 25 to December 10).

The campaign is the McGowan Government's contribution to the UN's '16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence' campaign and marks 16 days between White Ribbon Day on November 25 and Human Rights Day on December 10.

For more information, visit https://www.communities.wa.gov.au/about/projects-and-programs/

The Women's Domestic Violence Helpline (9223 1188 or free call 1800 007 339) is a State-wide, 24-hour service.  It provides support for women facing family and domestic violence.

1800RESPECT (free call 1800 737 732) is a national online sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"It's great to see a diverse range of private sector and government organisations supporting the 16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women campaign in such a visible way.

"To stop family and domestic violence our message must be this violence is not acceptable.

"Here in WA, more than 50,000 family and domestic violence incidents were reported to police in 2016-17, and more than 4,500 calls were made to domestic violence helplines. 

"This campaign demonstrates the whole of government, whole of community approach we are adopting to challenge the unacceptable levels of family and domestic violence in WA.

"My government has introduced a raft of measures to reduce domestic violence and has confirmed vital funding in the current Budget, including funding two new women's refuges."

Comments attributed to Women's Interests and Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk: 

"WA has the second highest rate of reported physical and sexual violence perpetrated against women in Australia, second only to the Northern Territory.

"The sad reality is that women and their children are overwhelmingly over-represented as victims of family and domestic violence.

"In Australia, one woman is killed each week at the hands of her current or former partner.  The statistics are unacceptable and it's time to end violence against women and children.

"As the first appointed Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister in WA, I am here to say this issue remains a priority for the McGowan Government.

"We need to hold perpetrators to account, but we also need to change the conversation in our homes, communities and workplaces to end violence against women and children. 16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women is our opportunity to do just that."

Premier's office - 6552 5000
Women's Interests and Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister's office - 6552 6600