The Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing welcomes today’s commitment of $4.7 billion from the Federal Government, to end gender-based violence in Australia. Moreover, we welcome the recognition that family, domestic and sexual violence continues to be a national crisis and requires a coordinated response from across the nation.
National Cabinet flagged strengthening system responses as key to ending violence against women. Dr Alison Evans, CEO at CWSW, says this reinforces the need for Systems Reform in WA.
“We can’t just tinker around the edges” Dr Evans says.
“We believe without a complete reform of the family and domestic violence system in WA, that is resourced every step of the way, we will continue to see devastating levels of violence against women and children. This is not just about law and order, it’s about ensuring a safe system for victim-survivors where they are seen and believed at all points. We also know how critical funding our frontline services is to keeping women and children safe.
“We can do this in Western Australia, but we must ensure we properly fund and implement the Systems Reform proposed by the Cook Government. The best way to ensure safety for women and children, is by making sure we have a Family and Domestic Violence System that not only offers wrap around supports during times of crisis, but also during all stages of recovery and healing.
“This reform will also ensure that men who are choosing to use violence will no longer fly under the radar and will be held accountable for their actions. It will be a gamechanger for the women and children living in fear in WA.”
CWSW welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to funding the frontline services who so desperately need it, especially in WA where we know refuges, counselling and outreach services are struggling to stay afloat as more and more women and children reach out for help. As a member of the National Alliance of DV Specialist Services representing over 200 specialist domestic and family violence service providers across the country, we are pleased to see the Federal Government listen to calls for a long-term National Partnership Agreement.
It is also crucial we prioritise Aboriginal-led solutions in the fight against family and domestic violence. We know this leads to better outcomes for Aboriginal communities and we welcome National Cabinet’s commitment to explicitly considering the needs and experiences of First Nations peoples and delivering in genuine partnership with First Nations communities.
CWSW is pleased to see the $80 million boost to enhance and expand child-centred trauma-informed supports for children and young people. The research shows us that children don’t just “witness” family and domestic violence, they experience it and deserve to be recognised as victim survivors in their own right.
There are more women and children living in fear in WA than ever before. WA has the second-highest level of family and domestic violence in the nation. Family, domestic and sexual violence has been devastating our communities for far too long. We all need to work together to demand change now and to ensure safer communities for women and children across Australia.
