Now in its fifth year, 16 Days in WA draws inspiration from the global movement for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence to drive a change in culture, behaviour and attitudes that lead to violence against women and their children.
Relationships Australia WA joined the campaign to help raise awareness and support change to stop violence against women. We attended several community events during this time to march with our peers and members of the public, and to unite and inspire communities to promote equality and respectful relationships, violence-free spaces and safer communities.
🔶 Midland March That Matters
We kicked off 16 Days in WA with the Midland March That Matters, and the WA Police Pipe Band led hundreds of people to take a stand against domestic violence. Our Midland Manager Kristy Darnborough, who heads the Swan Family & Domestic Violence Network organising committee, said there was an incredible community spirit in Midland for the event, with local organisations banding together for a great cause.
We were delighted to be joined by guest performers 'singing detective' Snr Constable Matt Bethune and the Moorditj Noongar Community College, plus guest speakers City of Swan Mayor David Lucas, Tania Jones from St John of God Hospital Midland ED, CEO of Koolkuna Robyn Fitall and Carmen Hall from the Red Cross Migration Support Program.
🔶 Annual Peel March
Our Mandurah team joined the community at the 11th annual Peel Silent March for Domestic Violence. The event started with a short ceremony at Mewburn Gardens at 10am, followed by the march along Mandurah Terrace to the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. It was a powerful and emotional occasion, honouring those who have lost their lives throughout the year as a result of family or domestic homicide.
🔶 Headland Says No to Family Violence March
On the first day of 16 Days in WA the Hedland Violence Action Group hosted a march for the local community. Our South Hedland Branch attended the morning event starting at 6.30am in Centenary Park, not only to add their voice to support societal change, but also to share information about our support services for those affected by family and domestic violence.
🔶 Silent Domestic Violence Memorial March
Our Djinda Service and FAIR teams attended the 31st Annual Silent Domestic Violence Memorial March hosted by the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing. The Silent March is the longest running family and domestic violence march in Australia and provides an opportunity for the community to reflect on the profound impact of family and domestic violence and our shared responsibility to work to change the disturbingly high prevalence of this serious human rights and public health issue.
🔶 Legal Health Check Training
Community Legal WA hosted workshop at Relationships Australia WA about the Family and Domestic Violence Legal Health Check and Referral Pathways on Wednesday 8 December.
Our staff will be able to use the Legal Health Check training to help women experiencing family and domestic violence to access legal assistance when they need it most, to achieve better long-term outcomes.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family and domestic violence, we can provide support. Please visit our Family and Domestic Violence service page for further information.