- Cook Government supports Pride in Respect project with $350,000 in funding
- Early intervention and community awareness program to prevent family and domestic violence in LGBTIQA+ communities in WA
- 16 Days in WA runs from 25 November to 10 December to raise awareness of family and domestic violence
The Cook Government is supporting a new early intervention and community awareness program aimed at preventing family and domestic violence experienced by people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Asexual Plus (LGBTIQA+).
With $350,000 in funding from the Cook Government, the Pride in Respect project will be delivered by Living Proud in partnership with TransFolk of WA, GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc (GRAI), and the WA Aids Council (WAAC).
The early intervention program will create a series of family and domestic violence community awareness activities for people who identify as LGBTIQA+ in Western Australia.
The announcement comes during the Cook Government's 16 Days in WA campaign, which runs from 25 November to 10 December to raise awareness of family and domestic violence.
This year's theme is 'Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play Your Part', which encourages people to call out inappropriate behaviour, encourage conversations, or identify the signs of abuse.
November also marks WA's Pride Month, which celebrates the valuable contribution the LGBTIQA+ community has made to our State.
For more information on 16 Days in WA, visit 16days.wa.gov.au
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government's commitment to addressing family and domestic violence is long-standing.
"Every person in our community has the right to live free from violence, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
"Initiatives such as Pride in Respect will play a crucial role in raising awareness and helping to stop violence before it starts.
"I want to acknowledge Living Proud for the important work they do for the LGBTIQA+ community in Western Australia.
"Everyone in our community has a part to play when it comes to preventing family and domestic violence, and the Cook Government will continue to play ours."
As stated by Living Proud LGBTIQ+ Community Services of WA CEO Meaghan Holden:
"Family and intimate partner violence affects all communities, but stigma and societal norms create unique challenges for the LGBTIQA+SB community.
"Too often, this violence is overlooked, dismissed, misidentified or misunderstood.
"While research shows that LGBTIQA+SB individuals experience intimate partner violence at similar rates to heterosexual people, the dominance of heteronormative and cis-normative models makes it harder for many to identify and name their experiences, leading to silence and a lack of support.
"Through this campaign, Living Proud in partnership with Transfolk WA, WAAC and GRAI will join together to build on the strength of our community with knowledge, awareness, and to inspire the courage to break the silence."
