Domestic violence at 10-year high as town prepares for 16 Days in WA events

Domestic Violence rates have shown no sign of decreasing in the Kimberley or across the State as the community prepares to commemorate 16 Days in WA. The annual 16 Days in WA – Stop Violence Against Women campaign takes place from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. Now in its eighth year, 16 Days in WA draws inspiration from the global movement for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence to drive a change in the culture, behaviour and attitudes that lead to violence against women and their children. A community vigil was held in Broome on Monday, with a community march to take place at Bedford Park and Town Beach from 8.30am-10.30am on Tuesday December 10. But despite the renewed spotlight on the issue, family assaults in Broome reached a 10-year high in 2022-23, with the town recording 1042 family assaults. Family assaults across the State have also reached a 10-year high, with the rate increasing by 12.5 per cent in 2022-23 from 28,154 to 31,664 in 2023-24. Family assaults in Broome declined in 2023-24 to 958, marking an 8 per cent decrease, but the figure remains significantly higher than the 10-year average of 694 incidents per year. The 2023-24 figure reflects a sustained increase over the past decade, nearly tripling from the 358 recorded in 2014-15 and despite the decline from the previous year, the 958 family assaults recorded in 2023-24 make it the second-highest figure in Broome’s last 10 years. It the introduction of new coercive control laws earlier this year. Despite the renewed efforts and calls to end domestic violence, victim numbers have remained remarkably consistent over the past decade, with about one woman killed every week across the country. It comes after Police Minister Paul Papalia announced new police statistics that indicated a significant short-term decrease in family assaults since new sweeping liquor restrictions were introduced across the Kimberley. Latest data from WA Police shows alcohol-related assaults, property crime and family violence were down in Broome and Derby between July 15 and October 6 compared with the same time the previous year. However, the strategy of limiting access to alcohol has been met with scepticism from political rivals. Shadow treasurer Neil Thomson said the fact domestic violence was at a 10-year high reflected the enduring nature of the issue despite increased restrictions. “Prohibition never worked,” he said. “Ever-increasing volumetric restrictions are not going to solve the problem over the long term. What needs to happen is that there needs to be a doubling down on our banned drinkers register. “There needs to be a proper seamless data-sharing between the different agencies involved in those wraparound services and the BDR. “This is a massive problem. We need to have more community education. It’s not one-size-fits-all. “There’s not one strategy that’s going to solve the problem. We need both punitive and and support services.” 1800 RESPECT — 1800 737 732