The annual 16 Days in WA – Stop Violence Against Women campaign takes place from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Since 2017, the 16 Days in WA campaign has drawn 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.
This year’s campaign is themed around the tagline ‘Ending violence against women – it’s everybody’s business’, calling on all Western Australians to speak up and contribute to positive change towards the safety and respect of women in our community.
Director General Mike Rowe said that Communities takes its responsibility extremely seriously in leading the 16 Days in WA campaign and advocating for the end of violence against women.
"Prevention of violence of any type is a high priority for us," Mike said.
"Violence against women, in any form, is unacceptable.
“Communities have developed the 10 year Path to Safety Strategy which outlines a whole of government and community plan to reduce and respond to family and domestic violence as well as the Women's Report Card which was released in August.
“While this campaign focuses on putting an end to violence against women, we also acknowledge the men who have fallen victim, as well as transgender people and other members of the LGBTI+ community – which is particularly poignant as we celebrate Pride in WA this month.”
Violence can manifest itself in many forms, including physical, sexual, psychological and economic. Aside from the devastating impact on the individual, it also has social, economic, health and welfare costs on children, families and communities.
The campaign was officially launched at an event hosted by the Hon Simone McGurk MLA, Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence at Optus Stadium and attended by a number of industry leaders who joined in standing against gendered violence.
In marking the launch of 16 Days in WA, it was announced that the successful Respectful Relationships school program will be adapted for the sport sector, complementing existing work underway by SportWest.
The Department of Communities has provided a grant of over $630,000 to Starick Services to operate a two-year pilot that will partner with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
The initiative will be open to sport and recreation-based support programs for children and young people, local government authorities and the sport sector.
Nearly 500 industry, business, political and sector leaders joined together at a breakfast hosted by Seven West Media on the 29 November. Guests heard from Minister McGurk, the Premier and survivor Tinashe who shared her story of strength. Sponsors BHP, Bankwest, Rio Tinto and Woodside participated in a panel discussion where they discussed how their business is changing to make the workplace a better, more gender inclusive place to work.
For more information about 16 Days in WA visit the campaign page.
