- Today marks the end of the ninth annual 16 Days in WA campaign
- Campaign saw the Cook Government announce a record $110 million to address family and domestic violence, as part of its commitment to building safe and inclusive communities
- For the first time, the focus was on men and boys to champion respect and drive real change
Today marks the end of the ninth annual 16 Days in WA campaign, which encouraged everyone to reflect on the theme 'Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play your part' and consider what they can do to help stop family and domestic violence (FDV).
During this year's campaign, the Cook Government unveiled a record $109.9 million package to support and keep victim-survivors safe, hold perpetrators to account, expand crisis accommodation, strengthen frontline teams, and raise community awareness.
It brings the State Government's investment to an unprecedented $707.6 million in new funding to address family and domestic violence since 2017, reflecting unwavering commitment to building safe and inclusive communities across Western Australia.
The package includes:
- $14.8 million for refuges and safe houses, including new accommodation facilities in Midland, Broome, and Albany;
- $34.9 million to expand and boost frontline services, including additional staff for Family and Domestic Violence Response Teams to meet increasing demand and operate seven days per week, 365 days per year across Western Australia;
- $45.8 million to strengthen the transformative Strengthening Responses to Family and Domestic Violence System Reform Plan 2024 to 2029; and
- $14.4 million to continue delivering priority initiatives supporting FDV victim-survivors including counselling and therapeutic services.
For the first time, this year 16 Days focused on men and boys by calling on them to champion respect for women and take positive action to support the campaign across the State.
The call was answered by high profile Western Australian men who supported the campaign as Agents of Change, including Alex Pearce (Fremantle Dockers), Aaron Hardie (Perth Scorchers), Tom Cole (West Coast Eagles), Mark Glasson (Anglicare), Daniel Principe (youth advocate), Jarred Wall (Boox Kid), Dr Kyle Hoath (Australian Medical Association WA), Kevin Brown (St John WA), Kevin Parker (Tame Impala), and Matt Hale (comedy hypnotist).
They were joined by Lisa Webb (Fremantle Dockers), Jess Anstiss (West Coast Fever), Nina Kennedy (Olympic gold medallist), Amy Edgar (Perth Scorchers), Bella Lewis (West Coast Eagles), and Suzane Brown (Real Estate Institute of WA).
Grassroots sporting club officials and athletes also showed their support by signing up to the 16 Days in WA Sports Pledge, committing to building a culture of respect, standing up for safety, and calling out violence whether it shows up on or off the playing field.
More than 60 landmarks across the State were lit up in orange including Optus Stadium, RAC Arena, Broome Water Tower, Museum of Geraldton, and Port of Albany.
For more information about 16 days in WA, go to www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/16-days-wa
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"The 16 Days in WA campaign is part of the Cook Government's commitment to building safe and inclusive communities, by raising awareness and encouraging Western Australians to take a stand against gender-based violence and help stop violence before it begins.
"As I travelled across Western Australia, meeting the dedicated frontline workers supporting women and children at their most vulnerable, I saw firsthand the impact of this campaign.
"I extend my heartfelt thanks to every person in the family and domestic violence sector for the work they do every day and to every Western Australian who stood with us to help shift the dial.
"With the campaign ending today and the festive season upon us, I urge people to remember that respectful relationships and violence-free spaces are important all year round.
"I invite all Western Australians to support 16 Days in WA every day. Play your part to bring an end to family and domestic violence."
