Women’s Health West received 9970 referrals from police across the western suburbs in the 2016-17 financial year – marginally less than for the same time last year (10,545 referrals).
It also provided more than 600 women with case management support and helped 1203 women with court cases. As well, the organisation responded to 566 women who contacted the 24-hour crisis support service.
The not-for-profit organisation provides advice and support to women and children who experience violence in Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Brimbank, Moonee Valley and Melbourne.
WHW has launched a plan called Preventing Violence Together 2030: Western Region Strategy to Prevent Violence Against Women.
The strategy is a regional partnership, made up of 19 organisations in the west and sets out an action-based approach to prevent violence against women across the west.
WHW chief executive Dr Robyn Gregory said “the majority” of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and family violence in Australia was perpetrated by men against women.
“We know violence against women is preventable,” Dr Gregory said.
“By working as part of this long established partnership across the west, we can take action to end men’s violence against women.”
The WHW annual report for 2016-17 will be launched at its annual general meeting on November 29 at the Footscray Community Arts Centre.
See www.whwest.org.au for details.
To seek help for family violence call WHW on 9689 9588 or the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188.
