Arabic version: تقرير أمين المظالم يكشف عن عيوب في استجابة ولاية غرب أستراليا للعنف الأسري
A new report has identified significant deficiencies in Western Australia’s response to family and domestic violence (FDV), particularly concerning high-risk cases. The report, tabled in parliament on Thursday, reveals that despite a surge in FDV incidents, state agencies are failing to adequately protect victims.
According to ABC News, the findings indicate that more than half of the 388 reviewed cases were deemed high-risk, yet only a mere 2.5 percent were escalated for multi-agency intervention. WA Ombudsman Bevan Warner stated that these gaps in the system put victims at greater risk and highlighted that essential support was not being provided to those in critical danger.
The report comes as family and domestic violence incidents in WA continue to rise, with a 20 percent year-on-year increase in the number of people police pursued for family and domestic violence crimes. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded over 11,900 offenders last year, predominantly men. Additionally, FDV assault incidents have more than doubled in the past decade, intensifying calls for reform.
Alison Evans, chief executive of the Centre for Women’s Safety, expressed grave concern over the report’s findings, emphasizing that the failures in the system could have fatal consequences for women and children. She urged police and government officials to act on the Ombudsman’s recommendations without delay.
The report outlines nine recommendations aimed at enhancing the response to FDV, including better risk assessment, improved escalation of high-risk cases, and increased accountability for perpetrators. In response, Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski defended the government’s efforts, citing a $60 million investment in FDV services since 2024 and improvements in coordination and response efforts.
