The Department of Communities’ fifth annual 16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women campaign has been launched by Premier, Mark McGowan.
The campaign urges Western Australians not to remain silent when they see acts of violence committed.
Mr McGowan said the campaign encouraged bystanders to speak up when they saw violence or disrespect towards women and aimed to educate people on how they could safely challenge attitudes and behaviour that condoned violence.
“Alarmingly, one in five Australians believe domestic violence is a normal reaction to stress and that a woman can make a man so angry he hits her without meaning to,” Mr McGowan said.
“One in three Australians believe that if a woman does not leave her abusive partner, she is responsible for the violence continuing,” he said.
“These attitudes must change.”
The Premier said the Kimberley region would be the location for a fourth one-stop family and domestic violence hub.
“The hub model provides a range of specialist family and domestic violence and other community services in one location, prioritising ease of access for victims who are seeking help and support,” Mr McGowan said.
“By co-locating key support with other services, the hubs create a ‘soft’ entry point that also reduces the stigma often attached to seeking assistance.”
The 16 Days in WA campaign runs until 10 December and takes its inspiration from the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
