Anglicare WA family and domestic violence initiative to support and empower Katanning victim survivors

A new Anglicare WA family and domestic violence initiative called Keeping Women Safe in Their Homes will tackle family and domestic violence in Katanning through collaboration, engagement and tailored support. Between December 2021 and November 2022, 1 in 10 WA children aged 0-4 years old experienced or witnessed FDV according to data collected by the Department of Communities. In the Shire of Katanning, the ratio jumps to one in 6.5 children aged 0-4 years old. Last year Katanning’s Anglicare WA Domestic Violence Advocacy Support Service received 152 referrals after incidents were reported to police. Anglicare WA Great Southern FDV coordinator Sharon Bielby said the Keeping Women Safe initiative marks a step forward. “We will work alongside individuals and services to respond to family and domestic violence in a non-judgemental and culturally-sensitive manner,” she said. “We can deliver education workshops to assist in raising awareness of family and domestic violence and work with you to play your part in stopping family and domestic violence”. Victim survivors of FDV will receive individualised and culturally-appropriate support designed to help them stay safe through the program and community members, organisations and businesses will be engaged with to support services are known and accessible. The initiative is backed by local police. “Proactively attending the homes of FDV victims and offering support can empower victims and goes a long way to giving them the confidence needed to start taking those vital steps away from often abusive situations,” Sen. Sgt Dave Rudd said. “FDV is complex and the more we can keep victims in their own homes whilst proving the support around them, the better the chances are of having a positive outcome for that situation.”