- Regional Sexual Assault Support Services to receive funding boost of $3 million over the next two years
- Sexual Assault Resource Centre will receive an additional $700,000
- Funding allocated in the 2026-27 State Budget will help to improve outcomes for victim-survivors of sexual violence
The Cook Labor Government is investing an additional $3.7 million towards the Sexual Assault Resource Centre and Sexual Assault Support Services - providing more support for Western Australian victim survivors.
In Western Australia, nearly one in four women and one in 16 men over the age of 15 have experienced sexual violence.
The Sexual Assault Resource Centre, WA's State-wide specialist sexual violence service, provides a 24/7 acute medical and forensic service to people who have experienced a recent sexual assault, as well as counselling for sexual assault or abuse experienced recently or in the past.
This additional funding will increase the counselling workforce capacity, providing trauma informed support and therapy to victim-survivors of all sexualities and gender identities aged 13 and above across the State.
An uplift in funding will also support regional Sexual Assault Support Services based in Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Mandurah and South Hedland.
These services provide support for people aged 13-years and older who have experienced sexual assault or abuse.
As stated by Health and Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"The regional Sexual Assault Support Services, as well as the Sexual Assault Resource Centre, are doing an incredible job supporting people who have experienced sexual assault through timely, appropriate and specialised counselling.
"These are vital services in our community that support victim-survivors of sexual violence in their time of need.
"This funding boost will allow employment of more staff and provide regional services with increased capacity to meet local demand."
As stated by Women Minister Simone McGurk:
"People who experience sexual assault need timely, non-judgemental skilled support, which is why we are funding these important services for victim-survivors of sexual violence.
"This funding will strengthen the sector's collective response to sexual violence and support victim-survivors, supported by our State's first sexual violence strategy.
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to stopping violence against women in all forms and to building safe and inclusive communities. Every Western Australian deserves to feel safe at home, at work, and in the community."
