Together against family and domestic violence
One in five Australians believe violence is sometimes justified or that victims are partly to blame.
Each May, Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) Prevention Month shines a spotlight on the serious and widespread impact of FDV across Western Australia. This month encourages communities to raise awareness, challenge the harmful attitudes, and promote access to support services that protect lives and empower survivors.
FDV remains a significant issue. In 2018-19, more than 47,000 FDV incidents were reported to WA Police. Nearly 12,000 family violence restraining orders were lodged — accounting for 75 per cent of all restraining orders in the state.
FDV goes beyond physical violence. It can include emotional abuse, financial control, psychological manipulation, technological abuse, and coercive control — a pattern of behaviour that isolates and intimidates victims. These forms of abuse often remain unseen, but their impact is lasting and severe.
Harmful beliefs continue to create barriers to support. One in five Australians believe violence is sometimes justified or that victims are partly to blame. One in three believe it’s not really abuse if the person doesn’t leave. These views make it harder for victim-survivors to seek help or be believed.
The City of Stirling acknowledges the lasting impact of family and domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities. If you are experiencing FDV, there are support services available to help.
The Stirling Women’s Centre provides crisis accommodation, essential services, and personalised safety plans for women and children escaping violence.
The Naala Djookan Healing Centre, located in Mirrabooka, offers a safe and supportive space for those affected by FDV. Operating as a one stop hub, the centre is led by the City in collaboration with ten specialist organisations, delivering trauma-informed, culturally safe support, including legal services, counselling, health care, housing assistance, and advocacy.
For FDV support available in the City of Stirling, visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/community-support/family-support
If you or someone you know needs help:
- For an emergency call 000
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- Women’s Helpline: 1800 007 339
- Men’s Helpline: 1800 000 599
- Crisis Care: 1800 199 008.
For further information on helplines and support services, including the Translating and Interpreting Service and SMSAssist text messaging service for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, visit www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/family-and-domestic-violence-helplines-and-support-services
