Home

State Government commits $4.5m for two Kimberley family and domestic violence hubs

Cain AndrewsBroome Advertiser
Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Simone McGurk.
Camera IconPrevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Simone McGurk. Credit: Cain Andrews/Broome Advertiser

The State Government will invest $4.5 million to help address family and domestic violence in the Kimberley in the upcoming State Budget.

Two programs aimed at tackling family violence in the Kimberley, the Derby Family Violence Service which responds to family violence in Derby and the Change Em Ways Kimberley Project an Aboriginal men’s behaviour change program that operates in the remote communities will be extended for a further four years.

Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk said every community is different, and that’s why the State Government is investing in tailored domestic violence services where they are needed most.

“We are extending two programs that tackle family violence in the Kimberley and in our remote communities,” she said.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“Importantly, these programs will trial new ways of working with Aboriginal communities, with a special focus on helping perpetrators to change their behaviour.”

A family and domestic violence hub is also set to be established in the Kimberley, although at this stage it hasn’t been revealed in which Kimberley town or community.

Ms McGurk said the hub will provide a range of legal, financial and counselling services for those experiencing domestic violence and give perpetrators the tools to break the cycle of violence.

“Services that support victim survivors, challenge the underlying attitudes that lead to violence and make our communities safer,” she said.

“We know that strategies to reduce family violence must include actions to engage perpetrators, so we are improving how we respond to family and domestic violence in our suburbs and regions.

“Everyone should be able to live their life free from the threat of violence, and this funding reaffirms the State Government’s commitment to keeping victims of violence safe and holding perpetrators to account.”

It is part of the McGowan Government’s $34.4m funding boost for initiatives that support survivors of family and domestic violence and hold perpetrators to account, allocated in the 2022-23 State Budget.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails