Colour to raise awareness of domestic violence at Kalgoorlie-Boulder event as part of 16 Days in WA

A Kalgoorlie-Boulder-based domestic violence counselling service will use colour to raise awareness for domestic violence as part of WA’s multi-week campaign aiming to help stop violence against women. Mara Pirni Healing Place has confirmed it will again hold its annual 16 Days in WA community Colour Run Day. The centre’s senior safety advocate Hannah Jacklin said the campaign was especially important given domestic violence was on the rise in the region. “These events are an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding but also seek community knowledge and feedback on these trends and community needs,” she said. “Our hope would be that the more FDV-informed the WA community becomes, the more likely survivors are to seek help and support both formally and informally. “We would also hope that the 16 Days campaign inspires people to advocate for important changes which create a safer community, enhance systems responses to FDV and increase support.” Ms Jacklin said those experiencing family and domestic violence in regional areas could face additional challenges. “The Goldfields area presents with some barriers for survivors seeking support including less available services, isolation and the remoteness of some areas of this large district,” she said. “Therefore, it is especially important that we strengthen our existing services, capacity build, and invite our community to be active in creating changes. “We would like to increase the visibility of this issue and invite the whole community to take responsibility for creating positive change and safety where all families can live free of violence.” The 16 Days in WA initiative takes place from November 25, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. The campaign’s theme this year, Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play Your Part, encourages everyone to reflect on their role in challenging disrespectful behaviour and breaking the cycle of violence. Grants are on offer for community organisations looking to host 16 Days in WA initiatives after the State Government allocated $25,000 to the WA peak body for gender-based violence services — Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing. CWSW will distribute the funds in $1000 lots to eligible organisations for community events or educational activities that raise awareness about gender-based violence and encourage change. A further $25,000 has been allocated by the State Government to the Aboriginal Family Legal Services to support the Ochre Ribbon campaign which helps take action against family violence impacting Aboriginal families and communities. Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton said everyone could play a role in preventing violence against women. “The Cook Government takes supporting victim-survivors of family and domestic violence seriously,” she said. “It’s important to remember that everyone in our community has a role to play when it comes to preventing violence against women and challenging poor behaviours. “Campaigns such as 16 Days help raise awareness about how individuals can play their part in preventing gender-based violence. “I look forward to seeing how the funding awarded to Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing, and Aboriginal Family Legal Services, enables groups across Western Australia to deliver events and initiatives that raise awareness and foster change.” The colour run will take place the weekend before the official 16 Days campaign on Saturday, November 23 at the Oasis playing fields from 10am to 12pm.