- Western Australia's first Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy launched
- The strategy provides a whole-of-community approach to address sexual violence, improve service responses, support victim-survivors, and hold perpetrators to account
- Released during 16 Days in WA campaign, signifying the Cook Government's commitment to stopping violence against women in all forms
- Part of the Cook Government's commitment to building safe and inclusive communities
The Cook Government has today released the State's first Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy, which aims to keep all Western Australians safe at home, at work, and in the community.
The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy: Addressing Sexual Violence Together 2025-2035 outlines a whole-of-community approach to address sexual violence, improve service responses, support victims, and hold perpetrators to account.
It acknowledges sexual violence as a distinct and pervasive form of violence, which can occur any time, in any environment or setting, that causes serious harm and deeply affects the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities.
It also acknowledges the courage and strength of victim-survivors who have shared their experiences to inform its development. Their voices have been instrumental in shaping a better understanding of sexual violence and the steps required to drive change.
One in four women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15, and one in eight have experienced sexual abuse by an adult before turning 15, however sexual violence also remains significantly underreported.
The strategy calls for:
- community-wide prevention efforts;
- targeted support for people of all genders;
- stronger accountability for perpetrators; and
- enhanced, trauma-informed services.
Development of the strategy has been jointly led by the departments of Communities, Justice, and Health and informed by the experiences and voices of victim-survivors, the WA community, academic experts, and sector professionals working to prevent and respond to sexual violence.
Its release during the annual 16 Days in WA campaign signifies the State Government's commitment to stopping violence against women in all forms. The strategy also aligns with 'Stronger Together: WA's Plan for Gender Equality', the State's first whole-of-government, long-term plan to advance gender equality.
It is accompanied by a first Action Plan, to undertake a range of foundational work identified in the strategy. It will be built on by future, multi-year Action Plans, to be developed in partnership with non-government partners.
The strategy can be found here: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/sexual-violence-prevention-and-response-strategy-2025-2035
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au .In an emergency, call 000.
As stated by Women Minister Simone McGurk:
"The Cook Government is committed to stopping violence against women in all forms and to building safe and inclusive communities.
"When we, as a community, speak openly about sexual violence - what it is, who uses it, why it happens, and its impacts - we take the crucial first steps towards creating the foundation for cultural change and prevention.
"I thank the many individuals, organisations, academics, and sector leaders who have contributed to developing this strategy, in particular, the victim-survivors whose strength and advocacy continue to inspire change."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Ending sexual violence requirescollective responsibility, from government, community organisations, workplaces, schools and individuals.
"Everyone has a role to play inchallenging harmful attitudes, supporting victim-survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable.
"I would like to acknowledge the Strategy Reference Group whose guidance and insight was instrumental in shaping a strategy that is both grounded in evidence and informed by specialist sexual violence expertise and lived experience."
As stated by Attorney General Dr Tony Buti:
"As a government, we are committed to tackling the issue of sexual violence in WA. Every Western Australian deserves to feel safe at home, at work, and in the community.
"This strategy was developed jointly by the Department of Communities, Justice, and Health and informed by victim-survivors and sector professionals and I thank them for this important work.
"I urge every Western Australian to engage with this strategy. Addressing sexual violence is everyone's business. Together we can build a future in which everyone is free from sexual violence."
