Premier Roger Cook says family domestic violence a ‘high priority’ ahead of 16 Days in WA activism campaign

WA Premier Roger Cook has vowed to keep the prevention of family and domestic violence a “top priority” of his Government, on the cusp of the State’s 16 Days of Activism.

Standing by his Government’s record, Mr Cook on Sunday said work had begun on policies driven by September’s FDV summit which were being informed by expert and lived-experience advice.

“Family domestic violence is an issue that we are all concerned with. It’s been a high priority for my Government,” he said.

“We have invested an extra $420 million in family and domestic violence policies.

“We’ll continue to make sure we do everything we can. We all have a responsibility to stand up against family and domestic violence.”

Asked if he would attend Monday morning’s 34th annual March Against Domestic and Family Violence in Forrest Place, Mr Cook said he would be tied up in meetings.

“No, I have other duties tomorrow morning, including a meeting with all the other Premiers, just in relation to the lead up to the next National Cabinet,” he said.

His FDV Prevention minister Sabine Winton is expected to speak at the event alongside Deputy Police Commissioner Allan Adams and Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing chief executive Dr Alison Evans.

The FDV summit in September had been declared a line-the-sand moment at the time, however, the support sector is still struggling to respond to the epidemic.

On Saturday, a 35-year-old man was shot in Dumbleyung — some 270km southeast of Perth — after an altercation with a male police officer while responding to a domestic violence incident.

The man was flown to Royal Perth Hospital with non-fatal injuries, while the male officer was taken to Narrogin Hospital with a laceration to his head.

To align with the march, hosts Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing, have launched a new campaign called “Believe”.

The campaign is focused on believing in victim-survivors, services and change and urges West Aussies to pledge and write to their local MPs to call for greater funding for services that support women and children experiencing FDV.

The March will be held on Monday, November 25. Information stalls will open from 10am before the rally starts at 10.45am, with crowds set to march at 12pm.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.

Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 000 599