The Cook Government has launched Western Australia's first comprehensive strategy to address sexual violence, a move prompted by alarming new crime statistics showing a significant surge in assaults across the state.
A Decade-Long Plan to Confront a Growing Crisis
The new Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy was introduced during the 16 Days in WA campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10. This 85-page framework outlines a ten-year plan focused on preventing violence, improving support services for victims, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
The strategy's urgency is underscored by the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data. It reveals a disturbing nine per cent increase in sexual assault victims in WA during 2024, with 3,721 people reporting offences. This figure marks the highest level recorded by the ABS in 32 years.
Health Minister Meredith Hammat emphasised the need for a collective effort. "Ending sexual violence requires collective responsibility, from government, community organisations, workplaces, schools and individuals," she stated.
The Stark Reality of Underreporting and Low Convictions
Officials stress that the official statistics represent only a fraction of the true scale of the problem. It is estimated that more than 90 per cent of sexual assault incidents are never formally reported to police. Barriers include the trauma of reliving the experience and a lack of accessible or culturally-appropriate services.
For the cases that are reported, the path to justice remains fraught. Recent data shows that only one in eight reported sexual offences proceeds through the entire court process. This gives sex crimes the highest attrition rate and the lowest conviction rate compared to other offences. About 41 per cent of reported sexual assaults are linked to family and domestic violence.
Expanding Critical Support for Survivors
In tandem with the long-term strategy, the State Government has committed new funding to extend and expand two crucial pilot programs designed to support survivors.
An undisclosed sum of additional Commonwealth funding will extend a specialist legal services pilot program through to 2028. First launched in 2024 and delivered by Women’s Legal Service WA, Ruah Community Services, and the Aboriginal Family Legal Service, it provides legal representation and "wraparound" support like counselling and financial aid. It has already assisted 135 people.
"This expansion will provide real time support from the first point of contact to ensure survivors are treated with respect throughout the legal process," said Minister for Women Simone McGurk. The funding will also allow for trialling new non-legal services, including culturally-safe Justice Navigators.
Separately, an extra $300,000 will extend a family and domestic violence clinical forensic service pilot through to 2025-26. This collaboration, operating from King Edward Memorial Hospital, has completed 56 forensic examinations and 26 medico-legal reports for approximately 125 people since 2023.
Attorney General Tony Buti said the service was "setting a new standard for trauma-informed care" and "delivering justice, safety and dignity for survivors while helping hold perpetrators to account."
Support is available:
Sexual Assault Resource Centre: 1800 199 888
1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
