MPs' white ribbons support end to domestic violence (Video)

Western Australian MPs will wear white ribbons in State Parliament this week in a united stand against domestic violence and the elimination of violence against men, women and children.

  • 10 deaths in last year due to domestic family violence

  • White Ribbon Day marked annually on November 25

Western Australian MPs will wear white ribbons in State Parliament this week in a united stand against domestic violence and the elimination of violence against men, women and children.

Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney said the State Government was making significant inroads to curb the number of incidents of family domestic violence with amendments to existing laws to deter perpetrators from reoffending.

"Recent amendments to the Restraining Orders Bill 2011, including stronger penalties for breaches of violence restraining orders and police orders, send a clear message to perpetrators their repeated violent behaviours will not be tolerated," Mrs McSweeney said.

"One in three women report physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives and, in the past year alone, 10 deaths were recorded in WA from domestic homicide.

"These are horrific statistics and it's up to everyone - including leaders like my fellow parliamentarians - to take a united lead in supporting the message of White Ribbon Day.

"I have initiated work with the Ombudsman's office to establish the first fatality review which will be the first of its kind in WA with the aim of introducing more preventative measures to reducing the number of fatalities across the State.

"This will add to the work and collaboration between the Department for Child Protection (DCP) and WA Police that places co-located child protection workers in all 17 districts where they assess all domestic violence incidents attended by police.

"The Safe at Home program has also had much success and provides options for women and children to remain in their home, following a domestic and family violence incident, where it is safe for them to do so."

      Fact File

  • Women's Council for Domestic Violence to co-ordinate today's Memorial March, starting from Stirling Gardens, 11.50am

  • 2011 marks the 21st year of White Ribbon Day

Minister's office - 9222 8950

Video: Interview