The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy: Addressing Sexual Violence Together 2025-2035, outlines a whole-of-community approach to address sexual violence, improve service responses, support victims and hold perpetrators to account.
The Strategy acknowledges sexual violence as a distinct and pervasive form of violence, which can occur any time, in any environment or setting, that causes serious harm and deeply affects the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities.
It also acknowledges the courage and strength of victim-survivors who have shared their experiences to inform its development. Their voices have been instrumental in shaping a better understanding of sexual violence and the steps required to drive change.
One in four women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15, and one in eight have experienced sexual abuse by an adult before turning 15, however sexual violence also remains significantly underreported.
The Strategy calls for:
- community-wide prevention efforts
- targeted support for people of all genders
- stronger accountability for perpetrators
- enhanced, trauma-informed services.
Development of the Strategy has been jointly led by the departments of Communities, Justice and Health and informed by the experiences and voices of victim-survivors, the WA community, academic experts and sector professionals working to prevent and respond to sexual violence.
Its release during the annual 16 Days in WA campaign signifies the State Government’s commitment to stopping violence against women in all forms. The strategy also aligns with 'Stronger Together: WA's Plan for Gender Equality', the State’s first whole-of-government, long-term plan to advance gender equality.
The Strategy is being delivered through a number of Action Plans. The First Action Plan guides coordinated action across eight priority areas, recognising that reform and delivery are already in progress across the Strategy’s domains.
You can find the Strategy on the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy 2025-2035 webpage.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.
In an emergency, call 000.
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