From 25 November to 10 December, we proudly participated in the 16 Days in WA campaign. The State Government campaign coincides with the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Opening every year on the 25 November it marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) remains a critical issue in Western Australia, with 65% of all reported assaults being FDV-related. An estimated 305,400 women in WA (30%) have experienced physical, emotional or economic abuse by a partner they live with (Department of Communities, 2025).
We remain committed to raising awareness, supporting those affected, and creating safer communities. The campaign is an important reminder that change requires collective action.
How we played our part around the state
Participating
Across the state, we marched to honour the lives lost to FDV, their grieving loved ones, and those who continue to live in fear. Female Elder of the Year Aunty Rosalie Kickett officially opened the 16 Days in WA awareness campaign with a Welcome to Country at the 35th March Against Domestic and Family Violence in Boorloo. Powerful calls to end FDV resounded throughout WA in various forms. We would like to acknowledge the courage of the lived and living experience individuals who shared their stories.
Beyond the marches, community events were held across the state. In Hedland, local organisations ran a series of events to raise awareness, strengthen community, and support healthy and safe relationships.
Learning
This year we arranged a free webinar for all staff hosted by the Patricia Giles Centre for Non-violence. The Modified Service Delivery: Bridging the gap between FDV and Disabilities was held on 3 December (the International Day of Persons with Disabilities). More than 200 of us jumped online for the opportunity to deepen our understanding of how FDV continues to disproportionately impact women and children living with disability in Australia. This session shared insights from people with disability experiencing FDV.
Accessing Support
The community events and marches are always a great opportunity to engage in conversations and share information and resources with other service providers and victim-survivors. This is something we can continue beyond 16 Days in WA.
Relationships Australia provides the following services for clients and supports for staff:
Access - Client Services
Beyond 16 Days
This campaign calls on all of us to take action to end FDV and foster a culture of respect and safety. Throughout the campaign the key message of respect was reinforced with victim-survivors reminding us that “Not all disrespect of women ends up in violence against women, but all violence against women begins with disrespecting women.”
Meaningful change begins with everyday actions; modelling respect towards women and girls, supporting young people to learn healthy relationships, and promoting consent, equality and safety. We all have a part to play.