Violence and injury continue to be a significant public health concern in Australia. With an increase in family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) related assaults being reported to Western Australian (WA) Police over the last decade, the impact on our community is being felt more strongly than ever. Western Australia’s strategy to reduce family and domestic violence 2020-2030 highlights that less than 20% of victims currently contact police, with two out of five people not knowing where to go to get help for domestic violence issues.
Key findings on the recently launched Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Family, domestic and sexual violence subsite include:
- 1 in 4 women in 2021-22 had experienced violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15
- In 2021-22, 9 in 10 hospitalisations for assault injury by a partner were for females
- 13% of adults in 2021-22 had witnessed partner violence against a parent before the age of 15
The recently released 2024-25 WA state budget includes a substantial investment in family and domestic violence support. It directs funds towards establishing and expanding services and resources in line with the System Reform Plan developed through collaborative consultation across Government, community services sectors, Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations, and individuals with lived experience. Serving as a guiding framework, the Plan emphasises victim-survivor-focused support systems prioritising safety, wellbeing, and recovery standing to deliver a safer and more supportive community.
Want to know how injury prevention and recovery initiatives fared within the 2024-25 WA State Budget?
Injury Matters is committed to advocating for changing cultural and social norms that support violence prevention and awareness-raising strategies to increase Western Australians’ knowledge of risk factors contributing to violence and how they can be prevented. Information on the determinants of assault, intervention strategies and support services in WA are available on the Know Injury webpage.
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing any form of violence, it is important to speak out and talk to someone you trust so that they can help you. To speak to a trained mental health professional for immediate support, contact:
- 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
- Lifeline (13 11 14)
- Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline (1800 000 599)
- Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline (1800 007 339)
If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services at 000.