16 Days in WA runs annually from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). It is a State Government campaign, inspired by the global 16 Days of Activism, launched in 2017 to raise awareness, motivate positive action, and highlight the organisations & communities working to end violence against women across Western Australia.

Why it matters in Dawesville

Violence against women impacts safety, health, inclusion, and local wellbeing. In WA, police-attended family violence incidents & victimisation trends show sustained pressure on services and families. This is not abstract, it affects neighbourhoods across the Peel region, placing strain on households, community networks & local services.

Key messages for our community

The campaign emphasises shared responsibility & practical prevention: violence against anyone is unacceptable; stopping family and domestic violence requires promoting gender equality and respectful relationships; everyone can play a part to keep families & communities safe.

• Model respect towards girls and women, especially in positions of authority.
• Call out disrespectful behaviour and harmful views when they occur.
• Teach children about consent, healthy relationships, and gender equity.

Facts & statistics in WA

Recent data shows WA recorded 47,045 assault victims, a 10% increase, with 65% of assaults linked to family and domestic violence. In 2023–24, family violence incidents attended by police and reported to the Department of Communities rose to 53,841.

An estimated 305,400 women in WA (30%) have experienced physical, emotional, or economic abuse by a cohabiting partner. Within this, 19% experienced physical and/or sexual violence, 24% emotional abuse, and 16% economic abuse.

Aboriginal women are 32 times more likely to be hospitalised due to violence than non-Aboriginal women. Nationally in 2023–24, an average of one woman was killed every eight days by an intimate partner, with WA recording eleven intimate partner homicides (nine female, two male) in that period.

Family and domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women & children and disproportionately affects Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse women & children, people with disability, and LGBTIQA+ communities.

Men & boys: prevention starts early

Prevention includes educating boys and young men about healthy relationships and gender equity, and countering harmful online masculinity influences with positive male role models. Fathers who actively parent model gender-equal dynamics and support safer family environments.

Recognising coercive control & technology-facilitated abuse

Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behaviours, emotional, financial, social & digital, that restrict autonomy and safety. Technology-facilitated abuse includes stalking, harassment, and control using devices, apps, or social platforms. Recognising these behaviours helps communities respond early and support victim-survivors.

How locals can help stop it

• Promote respectful relationships: support school and community programs on consent and healthy boundaries.
• Challenge harmful attitudes: address sexist jokes, rigid gender roles, and victim-blaming when they arise.
• Support neighbours and friends: check in, offer practical help, and encourage access to services.
• Amplify prevention: share credible information during the 16 Days to reduce stigma and increase help-seeking.
• Back inclusive safety: advocate for accessible services for Aboriginal women, CALD communities, people with disability, and LGBTIQA+ residents.

Community impact & action during the 16 Days

Local action, forums, workshops, school talks, service directories & respectful workplace pledges, builds momentum for change. Community-led messaging & visible support make it easier for victim-survivors to seek help and for bystanders to step in safely.