- 16 Days in WA campaign launches, calling on everyone to play their part to end family and domestic violence
- Campaign aims to raise awareness and support cultural change
- Western Australians encouraged to wear orange, attend events, and take action in their community to show their support to end gender-based violence
The Cook Government has today launched its eighth annual 16 Days in WA - Stop Violence Against Women campaign, urging Western Australians to play their part to end family and domestic violence.
The campaign runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).
The campaign theme for 2024 is "Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play Your Part", which encourages everyone to take action to increase awareness, call out disrespectful behaviour and help stop the cycle of violence.
The 2024 campaign was launched by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton at the Centre for Women's Safety and Wellbeing's 34th March Against Domestic and Family Violence at Forrest Place, which honours and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives to gendered violence.
To mark the campaign, 55 landmarks across the State will once again be lit up in orange including Optus Stadium, RAC Arena, Broome Water Tower, Museum of Geraldton, and Port of Albany.
The Cook Government's commitment to preventing family and domestic violence is long-standing, with more than $470 million invested since 2017 towards initiatives that keep victim-survivors safe and hold perpetrators accountable.
Western Australians are encouraged to show their support during the campaign by wearing orange, attending events, and taking action in their community.
For more information about how you can play your part, go to 16days.wa.gov.au .
To hear more from Western Australians playing their part, go to 16 Days in WA - People making change (www.wa.gov.au) .
People experiencing family and domestic violence can call the Women's Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 007 339, Men's Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 000 599 or the national helpline 1800RESPECT.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"Now in its eighth year, the State Government's 16 Days in WA campaign highlights that everyone has a role to play when it comes to preventing gender-based violence.
"We must continue to engage in meaningful conversations, support victim-survivors, and challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to persist.
"Whether it's wearing something orange to raise awareness, supporting a loved one, or attending an event in your local community, I encourage all Western Australians to play their part during this year's campaign.
"The Cook Government will continue to play our part by working hard to keep victim-survivors safe and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
"Together, we can stop violence before it starts."
As stated by Centre for Women's Safety and Wellbeing CEO Dr Alison Evans:
"The crisis of gender-based violence is urgent. There is no excuse for violence against women and girls.
"16 Days in WA is an opportunity to revitalise our shared responsibility to come together and play our part to change social norms, attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence against women and children.
"It is also a call to action urging all of us to recognise the signs of family and domestic violence and to reach out for support, for ourselves or loved ones."
