Western Australia is set to receive the largest funding boost ever aimed at combating family and domestic violence, following a significant 16 percent surge in reported offences. A funding package of $109.9 million will be unveiled on Monday during the 16 Days in WA Seven West Business Breakfast, coinciding with a nationwide campaign to address violence against women.
Of this funding, $34.9 million will specifically enhance the Family and Domestic Violence Response Teams. These teams, which operate in conjunction with WA Police, the Department of Communities, and the Department of Justice, will now function seven days a week and increase their personnel. Their primary mission is to provide timely and early intervention in domestic violence cases.
Government Commitment to Domestic Violence Prevention
Premier Roger Cook expressed his government’s dedication to eradicating domestic violence, stating, “Every West Australian deserves to feel secure at home, at work, and in the community.” He emphasized that the state has now allocated a total of $707.6 million in new investments to tackle family and domestic violence.
Recent analysis of crime data reveals that WA Police responded to over 125 calls related to family assaults or threatening behaviour each day during the 2024-25 financial year. The recorded offences totalled 45,977, marking a 16 percent increase from the previous year and doubling the rate from 2016-17.
The police response to domestic violence has come under scrutiny recently. Following an incident reported by 7NEWS, where an alleged victim was initially turned away at a Perth police station, Police Commissioner Col Blanch issued a public apology. The following day, a suspect, Ryan Michael Tucker, aged 35, was arrested and charged with aggravated stalking.
Enhanced Support Systems and Training Initiatives
In addition to expanding the specialist response teams, the new funding will provide $45.8 million for the Family and Domestic Violence System Reform Plan. This includes essential training on coercive control for first responders. The boost will also enhance the Safe at Home program for victim-survivors and introduce behaviour-change programs for offenders.
Approximately $15 million will be allocated to improve capacity at refuges in Albany, Broome, and Midland, effectively doubling the number of new units available. Sharon Gough, chief executive of Indigo Junction, highlighted the urgency of this expansion, noting that they turned away nearly 1,500 requests for accommodation from women in crisis over the last year.
Gough also raised concerns about the increasing number of young individuals experiencing violence in relationships, underscoring the necessity for focused prevention programs. Furthermore, $19.4 million will be directed towards counselling services to support victim-survivors.
Jessica Stojkovski, the Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, remarked on the unprecedented nature of this funding. She stated, “Our initiatives work together to prevent violence, support victim-survivors, and hold perpetrators to account.” This record investment aims to enhance staffing in Family and Domestic Violence Response Teams, expand refuge facilities, and sustain essential services that victim-survivors rely on daily.
The announcement of this funding marks a critical step forward in addressing the alarming rise in domestic violence and reinforces the government’s commitment to creating safer communities across Western Australia.
