The Department of Justice has let it be known it is supporting the 16 Days in WA campaign that raises awareness of the culture, behaviour and attitudes leading to violence against women and their children.
Director General of the Department, Adam Tomison said 65 per cent of assaults recorded in WA in 2021 related to family and domestic violence with almost three quarters of those against women and girls.
“Family domestic violence is no good for anyone and we have to recognise that not only is there the immediate harm occurring, there is also damage to the next generation of Australians and the next after that,” Dr Tomison said.
“In the Department we provide a range of services to help protect our community and help prevent intergenerational trauma.”
He said the Department was calling on its staff to donate toys and gift cards to children in need these holidays.
Commissioner for Victims of Crime, Kati Kraszlan (pictured) said there had been some very generous donations from around the Department.
“We’ve collected a large range of toys and gift cards with the aim of sharing some joy over the holiday period,” Ms Kraszlan said.
“People who are impacted by family violence often need to leave everything behind, so this is just a show of support from our staff.”
Deputy Commissioner for Women and Young People, Christine Ginbey said that women in removed from family violence were often unaware how profoundly it had impacted their behaviour and their lives.
“We so often see that people in our care turn to alcohol and other drugs as a result of family violence,” Ms Ginbey said.
“We have the opportunity to help make an intergenerational change for these women while they are distanced from any family violence by offering support and assistance services 365 days a year.”
The 16 Days in WA campaign is in its sixth year and will run until 10 December.
