- Feedback sought on draft Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy
- Strategy commissioned to support improved outcomes for victim-survivors
- WA community urged to take part through State-wide consultation process
- Submissions close on 15 September 2023
The Cook Government is calling for feedback on a whole-of-Government strategy to prevent sexual violence and improve outcomes for victim-survivors.
Sexual violence has a significant and lasting impact on victim-survivors, their families and the wider community.
The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy will take a whole-of-Government approach to preventing and addressing the impact of sexual violence. The strategy will consider all forms of sexual violence, including sexual harassment, abuse and threats.
From today, feedback is being sought through a State-wide consultation process seeking the views of victim-survivors, the Western Australian community and those working in the sectors addressing sexual violence.
The strategy will recognise sexual violence in all settings and will provide a framework that is governed by safety, autonomy, cultural awareness and choice. It will consider the needs of all victim-survivors.
The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy is being developed in conjunction with two related projects that are examining sexual offence laws and reviewing the criminal justice processes in WA.
To provide feedback on the Strategy visit: https://consultations.justice.wa.gov.au
Submissions close on 15 September 2023.
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit1800RESPECT.org.au
You can also call the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) 24-7 Crisis Line on (08) 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888.
In an emergency, call 000.
As stated by Women’s Interests Minister Sue Ellery:
“I’m proud Western Australia is developing its first strategy to combat sexual violence with a focus on primary prevention, support for recovery and holding perpetrators to account.
“Sexual violence and assault have no place in our community. The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy is an important step in the Cook Government’s commitment to addressing all forms of violence against women.
“Public consultation is a critical milestone in the development of the draft strategy and will ensure it reflects the views and needs of the WA community.”
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
“The State Government puts victims of crime front and centre. In this case, a main focus will be on both potential victims, and victim-survivors, of sexual violence.
“I strongly support the establishment of the State’s inaugural Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy to not only reduce incidents of sexual violence but to also improve support for victim-survivors.
“I urge all interested parties across Western Australia to participate in the consultation process, so we have the benefit of broad community input when developing the strategy.”
