16 Days in WA: Pilot programs extended to give more sexual assault, DV survivors legal and forensic help

The Cook Government has unveiled its first ever plan to combat sexual violence in WA as figures show a disturbing surge in such crimes across the State. The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy was launched this weekend to coincide with the 16 Days in WA campaign, outlining a framework over the next decade to tackle sexual violence, improve service responses, support victims and hold perpetrators to account. The 85-page strategy highlighted the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics crime figures revealing an alarming nine per cent spike in sexual assault victims in WA in 2024, when 3721 people around the State reported being molested and raped. That was the highest figure recorded by the Federal agency in 32 years, but was not by any means the full picture, with sexual violence a significantly underreported offence. It is estimated that more than 90 per cent of sexual assault incidents are not formally reported to police, with the trauma of retelling experiences and a lack of accessible or culturally-appropriate services among the reasons. And for those that were reported, only one in eight went all the way through the court process, giving sex crimes the highest attrition rate and lowest conviction rate compared to other crimes, the latest data also showed. About 41 per cent were family and domestic violence related. Health Minister Meredith Hammat said the strategy spanned from changing harmful attitudes to supporting victim-survivors and holding perpetrators to account, and urged everyone to play a role. “Ending sexual violence requires collective responsibility, from government, community organisations, workplaces, schools and individuals,” she said. The State Government also announced an undisclosed sum of additional Commonwealth funding to expand and extend a specialist legal services pilot program for victims through to 2028. First launched in 2024, the pilot includes legal representation and “wraparound” services such as financial assistance and counselling, and has already helped 135 people. Provided by the Women’s Legal Service WA, Ruah Community Services, and the Aboriginal Family Legal Service, it also offers support with criminal injuries compensation claims, restraining orders and victim impact statements. “This expansion will provide real time support from the first point of contact to ensure survivors are treated with respect throughout the legal process,” Minister for Women Simone McGurk said. The funding will also enable future trialling of new non-legal services including culturally-safe Justice Navigators who support victim-survivors through processes. Also unveiled over the weekend was an extra $300,000 in additional funding to extend an FDV clinical forensic service pilot program through to 2025-26. A collaboration between State Government departments and the Zonta House Refuge Association, it operates from a purpose-built facility at King Edward Memorial Hospital with referrals from prosecutors and police. So far, the service has helped about 125 people since being launched in 2023, with 56 forensic examinations and 26 medico-legal reports completed. Attorney General Tony Buti said the service was “setting a new standard for trauma-informed care.” “It’s delivering justice, safety and dignity for survivors while helping hold perpetrators to account,” Dr Buti said. Sexual Assault Resource Centre 1800 199 888 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)