- WA to receive $19.3 million for family, domestic and sexual violence responses through National Partnership Agreement
- Additional 50 family, domestic and sexual violence community workers will bolster frontline response
- Trial of innovative perpetrator responses will promote behaviour change and accountability
Western Australia will receive an additional $19.3 million in Commonwealth funding over the next four years through an extension to the National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-2027.
The funding is for two Commonwealth programs announced in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget:
- Innovative Perpetrator Responses Initiative; and
- 500 new family, domestic and sexual violence community workers.
The Innovative Perpetrator Responses Initiative will provide over $3 million to Western Australia to trial new approaches to intervene with perpetrators of family and domestic violence.
Funding will be aimed at holding perpetrators accountable, preventing them from reoffending, and improving victim-survivor safety.
Funding of over $16 million will add to a contribution of $4.8 million from the State Government to fund 50 new community workers to support people who have experienced family, domestic or sexual violence.
The Western Australian Government received the first payment on 7 June 2023.
Detailed project deliverables are subject to negotiations with the Commonwealth.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"This investment through the National Partnership Agreement demonstrates the State and Commonwealth Governments' commitment to supporting women, children and families experiencing or at risk of violence.
"I really welcome this additional funding, which will ultimately result in more frontline workers being able to respond to family and domestic violence, as well as the opportunity to trial new approaches to intervening with perpetrators.
"While our priority is always to protect victim-survivors, we need to hold perpetrators accountable for their behaviour. The Cook Government is already investing in perpetrator programs, particularly men's behaviour change programs, in locations across the State and this funding provides an important opportunity to look at alternative ways to address the root cause of this serious issue."
As stated by the Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth:
"The Albanese Labor Government has made women's safety a national priority and is providing the focus and national leadership needed to deliver change.
"Along with States and Territories, we have set a goal to end gender-based violence within a generation. Realising this goal has been a key focus of our Government.
"Investing in a strengthened service system aligns with the aims of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 to strengthen workforce capability and deliver services which are trauma-informed and culturally safe."
Minister's office - 6552 6100
