ABOUT US
We believe that:
until focus, energy and resources are directed to PREVENTING violence against women, supporting abused women and their children will be ongoing.
we are ALL responsible for community change.
for long term sustainable change we need all members of the community to take an active part:
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Grassroots committed people
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"L"eaders
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Prevention services
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Support services
We started back in February 2014 when around about the same time, four tragedies in the community were highlighted and one government response was introduced.
RIP Luke, Lisa, Thomas and Daniel.
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Luke Batty was murdered by his father after cricket training at a cricket ground
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Lisa Harnum was thrown from a 15th floor balcony by her fiance
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Thomas Kelly (Jul 2012) and Daniel Christie (Dec 2013) killed from "coward punches" in Kings Cross
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Lockout Laws were introduced in the Kings Cross and Sydney CBD entertainment precincts (Jan 2014)
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We pondered and still question such anomalies. So, we decided to do something to raise awareness of the very complex issues of Family and Domestic Violence and Abuse.
Three annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes events supported by leaders and grassroot community members has led us to establish PVAW.
Why?
Come along as we begin the next chapter of our journey. Our practical and action-driven approach has enabled many projects including:
- Walk a Mile in Her Shoes events from 2014 to 2016 in Perth
- 'illuminate to eliminate' campaigns during the annual 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
- Pilot project developing customised training for Pharmacy professionals on Family Abuse awareness and action
- Guest speaker opportunites with National and local audiences
We’re excited to harness the incredible support and connections we've built through these events. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our community.
The problem we are working to solve
WA has a disproportionate rate of gender and family abuse, and although change has occurred since we started, there is still much more to do.
We are determined to be a voice in the discussion around Prevention of this community scourge that has been declared a national crisis, an ongoing emergency!
Community change underway
From a State Government perspective, WA now has a Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence and a documented strategy to reduce family and domestic violence.
From a Workplace perspective, FDV leave is an entitlement for all employees in the WA state industrial relations system.
From a Community perspective, the topic of Family Violence and Abuse is spoken about more openly and 'Respectful Relationships' classes are part of school curriculum.
KEY STATISTICS
Western Australia's rates of Family and Domestic Violence related assaults on Females per capita are second only to those in the Northern Territory. Furthermore, WA have the highest % increase in rates nationally from 2014 to 2023.
In Australia, 1 in 4 children are exposed to domestic violence
In Australia, intimate partner violence contributes to more death, disability and illness in women aged 25 to 44 than any other preventable risk factor.
Our Solution
We will: -
raise awareness and highlight the complexities of Violence Against Women.
listen, learn, talk, analyse, understand, and help others understand, the needs and issues within each community.
continute to advocate for change at all community levels.
If you are inspired by our vision and would like to become involved, please drop us an email to hello@pvaw.com.au.
Community involvement is key!
Our Vision
Be the organisation of choice within Western Australia for those seeking practical strategies and solutions to prevent violence against women
