The 16 Days in WA campaign, running from 25 November to 10 December, is a powerful initiative inspired by the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Launched in 2017 by the State Government this annual campaign calls on individuals, workplaces, and WA communities to unite against family and domestic violence (FDV).
The campaign aligns with key global events, starting on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) and ending on Human Rights Day (10 December). This year, the Department of Communities’ Officer for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, continues with the theme, ‘Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play Your Part.’ The focus is on raising awareness, inspiring participation, and driving a lasting change in culture, behaviour, and attitudes that perpetuate violence against women and children.
The Reality of Family and Domestic Violence in WA
FDV remains a significant issue in WA. An estimated 305,400 women in WA (30%) have experienced physical, emotional, or economic abuse by a cohabiting partner. This highlights the urgent need for action and community involvement to address the problem. Consider the following statistics from the Department of Communities:
- 19% of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a cohabiting partner.
- 24% have endured emotional abuse in their relationships.
- 16% have faced economic abuse, where financial control is used as a tool of power and manipulation.
These numbers reflect the harsh reality that many women face daily, and the 16 Days in WA campaign encourages everyone to play their part in creating safer and more respectful relationships (Department of Communities, n.d., "About 16 Days in WA", 2024).
RAWA’s Commitment to Ending Family and Domestic Violence
At RAWA, we are committed to being an FDV-informed organisation. Through our services and policies, we aim to support victim-survivors, create safe environments, and promote actions that seek to prevent and reduce violence.
RAWA has an integrated approach to working with FDV. RAWA works with victims survivors; women and children, and users of FDV through its various programs.
Below are the key services and resources we offer for FDV support:
- Family Abuse Integrated Response (FAIR) – Available in Fremantle and Gosnells, this service offers programs at no charge for men who have perpetrated violence in their relationships, and support services for women, young people and children who have experienced abuse in their home or intimate relationships.
- Djinda – A specialist service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children affected by FDV.
- Leave Safe, Stay Safe – a specialist service providing wrap around legal and social support to women prisoners affected by FDV.
- Safe from Violence Resource – A guide for women leaving or separating.
- Quality Supervision – facilitation targeted to promote client safety and support beneficent client outcomes.
How You Can Play Your Part
Join a March:
FDV marches are an opportunity for everyone to stand up, educate, motivate, and advocate to contribute to creating safe and supportive communities for women, children, and families.
16 Days in WA reminds us that:
- Violence against anyone is unacceptable. No one should experience fear or harm, and we must challenge the behaviours and attitudes that lead to violence.
- We all have a responsibility to stop FDV. Each of us can take steps to create safer spaces at home, in the workplace, and in our communities.
- Stopping FDV means promoting gender equality and respectful relationships. Fostering mutual respect and understanding between all genders is key to preventing violence.
- Play your part to help keep your family and community safe. The small actions we take individually can collectively drive large-scale change.