16 Days in WA

Anglicare WA observed the 16 Days in WA campaign, which took place from 25 November to 10 December. During the 16 days, Anglicare WA staff and services contributed to various events across the state, inviting the community to work towards ending family and domestic violence.

The campaign began with some Anglicare WA staff participating in the 34^th March Against Domestic and Family Violence hosted by the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing.  Similar marches were participated in or hosted by Anglicare WA throughout Western Australia.

Anglicare WA representatives also attended the 16 Days in WA Breakfast at Crown Perth on 2 December, where Premier Roger Cook announced a new $86 million funding package for family and domestic violence programs, bringing the government’s total investment since 2017 to more than half a billion dollars.  We are pleased with this boost in funding, which supports our election asks for long-term investment in family and domestic violence prevention initiatives and recovery support for children and young people.

The campaign concluded on 10 December with staff from Anglicare WA and joint-venture Holy Grounds hosting a drumming circle, which symbolised the strength communities have when connected. 

Leading and speaking at the event, Rebecca Smith, Anglicare WA Family and Relationship Services Counselling Coordinator shared the following:

We gather here to reflect on the rhythm of life – that steady beat that carries us through moments of joy, challenge and growth. Each of us contributes to this rhythm, a melody shaped by our experiences, our choices and those we hold close. But for some, this rhythm is disrupted by the devastating impact of FDV, a silence and pain that echoes too loudly in too many homes… Today we stand to acknowledge this disruption.

Although the 16 Days in WA campaign has concluded, Anglicare WA remains committed to stopping family and domestic violence. We offer a range of services that support women and children impacted by domestic violence and advocate for critical measures to ensure freedom from family violence and abuse. Anglicare WA is proud to have participated in the 16 Days in WA campaign and will continue to advocate to end violence against women and children.