MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT Table of Contents

Family and Domestic Violence Unit

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION...... 2

STATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING FRAMEWORK...... 4

NATIONAL FRAMEWORK...... 5

OUTCOME ONE: PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION...... 7 Strategy Links...... 7 Initiatives...... 7

OUTCOME TWO: SAFETY FOR VICTIMS...... 9 Strategy Links...... 9 Initiatives...... 9

OUTCOME THREE: ACCOUNTABILITY FOR PERPETRATORS...... 14 Strategy Links...... 14 Initiatives...... 14

CONCLUSION...... 18

APPENDIX 1: KEY PERFORMANCE DATA...... 19

The Western Australian Family and Domestic Violence Common Risk Assessment and Risk Management FRAMEWORK 1 Introduction

The WA Strategic Plan for Family and Domestic Violence 2009-2013 (the WA Strategic Plan), which was launched in November 2009, aims to achieve statewide systemic reform of responses to family and domestic violence through the implementation of an integrated response across government, building on current services and introducing new approaches. This Mid Term Progress Report presents progress against the outcomes of the WA Strategic Plan which are:

OUTCOME ONE - Prevention and early intervention. Individual attitudes and behaviours within the community reflect that family and domestic violence in any form is not acceptable.

OUTCOME TWO - Safety for victims. Adult and child victims are safe and kept free from harm through timely and accessible services.

OUTCOME THREE - Accountability for perpetrators. Perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and are actively supported to cease their violent behaviour.

To measure the success of the WA Strategic Plan, the following indicators have been set: • Changes in performance indicator data over time. • The degree to which an integrated interagency response has been achieved and associated outcomes.

Use of national data, such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Personal Safety Survey, as measured by national data such as the incidence and prevalence of family and domestic violence. Family and domestic violence is an insidious and complex issue which can affect Western Australian families of all cultural and economic backgrounds. It is strongly associated with and linked to a number of other serious social issues including child abuse, homelessness, mental health issues, poverty and drug and alcohol misuse. The complex nature of family and domestic violence continues to be a challenge, requiring more effective approaches, shared responsibility and coordinated efforts. In Australia, one in three women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and almost one in five have experienced sexual violence.1

1 Personal Safety Survey, Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006.

2 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT It is difficult to estimate the cost of family and domestic violence or to measure the loss of human potential. In 2004, Access Economics reported that the cost of violence against women to the Australian economy was $8.1 billion and that if no action is taken this figure could double by the year 20222. In Western Australia (WA), over a twelve month period between 2009 and 2010, 33,925 incidents of family and domestic violence were reported to the Western Australia Police (WA Police). Of these incidents, 13,052 were linked to criminal offences. Over the same period, 12 people lost their lives as a direct result of family and domestic violence.3 All of the initiatives and programs that are currently underway throughout the state are important in achieving the results needed to strengthen the state’s service system. The report provides examples of the major initiatives that have been introduced and/or built upon to support progress toward the outcomes of the WA Strategic Plan. Data against the relevant key performance indicators is also provided where available.

2 The Cost of Domestic Violence to the Australian Economy: Part 1. 3 WA Police.

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 3 State Governance and Reporting Framework

Governance and reporting arrangements are in place to ensure the development of statewide policy and best practice frameworks supporting an integrated response to family and domestic violence in WA. The Family and Domestic Violence Senior Officers’ Group (SOG) has been established and is comprised of senior representatives from the key State and Commonwealth Government agencies that have a direct or indirect responsibility for victims and perpetrators of family and domestic violence. The Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services WA Inc, the community sector peak body for family and domestic violence services, is also represented. The purpose of the SOG is to plan, manage and monitor a strategic across-government response to the issue of family and domestic violence in WA. To inform strategic planning, a reporting structure has been established through the Family and Domestic Violence Case Management and Coordination Services (CMCS) operating in 17 regions throughout the state. Funding requirements for the CMCS include submitting six monthly progress reports. Information provided through the six monthly progress reports includes: • the number of high risk cases referred to the CMCS group for case management; • the number of high risk cases managed by the CMCS case management group; and • barriers to providing increased safety for those experiencing family and domestic violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their violent behaviour.

The reporting structure enables regional issues which impact on the ability of the service system to provide safety for victims and hold perpetrators accountable, to be presented to the SOG and to inform future planning.

Data The data presented in the appendices in this report represents the beginning of developing an evidence base to better understand and inform the operating environment in WA. The key performance indicator data (Appendix 1) was provided by the WA Police and the Department of the Attorney General. Aggregated data was provided to ensure client confidentiality. Data presented within the report is for the financial years of 2008-09 and 2009-10.This will be used as base-line data in future reporting periods. Please Note: Caution is to be taken when analysing or inferring from the data due to some inconsistencies in definitions and geographical boundaries. A Data Working Group has been established to ensure greater uniformity and quality of data from reporting sources to inform future reporting.

4 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT National Framework

National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022 The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022 (the National Plan) was released on 15 February 2011 and provides a framework for action by the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments to reduce violence against women and their children. It is supported by four, three-year rolling National Action Plans which include:

• Building a Strong Foundation 2010-2013 The First Action Plan establishes the groundwork and builds the evidence base for the National Plan, putting in place the strategic projects and actions that will drive results over the longer term while also implementing high-priority actions in the short term.

• Moving Ahead 2013-2016 The Second Action Plan will take stock of what has worked well in the first three years and consolidate the evidence base for the effectiveness of the strategies and actions implemented to date.

• Promising Results 2016-2019 The Third Action Plan will deliver solid and continuing progress in best practice policies, with governments using data of far greater detail, accuracy and depth due to the improvements made in data collection and analysis.

• Turning the Corner 2019-2022 The Fourth Action Plan is expected to see the delivery of tangible results in terms of reduced prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault, reduced proportions of children witnessing violence, and an increased proportion of women who feel safe in their communities.

The Department for Child Protection is the lead agency representing WA on the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Officials Working Group, which is responsible for the development and implementation of the National Plan. In addition to its role to plan, manage and monitor a strategic across-government response to the issue of family and domestic violence in WA, the SOG is also an advisory body to the Department for Child Protection in the development and implementation of the National Plan and subsequent National and Jurisdictional Implementation Plans. WA provides both government and community sector membership via SOG on national governance structures which have been established to implement the National Plan. WA’s own strategic planning processes will now align within the twelve year national framework.

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 5 Western Australia Implementation Plan 2010-2013 The WA Implementation Plan 2010-2013 will focus on identifying and integrating current and planned initiatives in WA over the three year period. In the fourth year, a stocktake of what has worked will be undertaken to consolidate the evidence base and strengthen existing strategies and actions. During this phase, strategies will also be developed to meet new areas of unmet need. By the eighth year, WA will be well positioned to deliver solid and continued progress in best practice policies and improvements in the collection of family and domestic violence data. It is anticipated that in the twelfth year, WA will deliver tangible results in terms of reduced prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault, reduced numbers of children witnessing violence and increased proportions of women who feel safe in their communities.

6 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT Outcome One: Prevention And Early Intervention

Individual attitudes and behaviours within the community reflect that family and domestic violence in any form is not acceptable.

Strategy Links Strategy 1 – Strengthen community understanding and awareness that family and domestic violence is not acceptable. Strategy 2 – Focus family and domestic violence prevention and early intervention initiatives on children and young people and healthy, respectful relationships.

Initiatives Social Marketing Freedom from Fear An annual two week family and domestic violence radio and print social marketing campaign is conducted in WA using materials created as part of the Freedom from Fear campaign.4 This campaign encourages people who are experiencing, or know of someone experiencing family and domestic violence, to seek assistance. In 2010, the campaign was extended to three weeks and a decision was made to change the print advertisement from newspapers to specific venue advertisements. The venues included shopping centres, fitness centres, lifts and toilet cubicles with the aim of reaching the intended audience during periods when they were more likely to be alone and more receptive to the messages. Youth Say No Website and Resources The WA Government provides a Youth Say No website, which includes resources and information for young people about family and domestic violence, dating violence and how to support their friends if they are being subject to violence or abuse. In 2010, the Commonwealth Government rolled out a four year national social marketing campaign to change the attitudes and behaviours of particular target audiences. This includes The Line, a campaign to promote respectful relationship behaviour and attitudes in young people, which includes an interactive website with elements that engage users in activities and dialogue. The Youth Say No website includes a link to The Line to enable young people in WA broader access to information encouraging respectful relationship behaviours. A broader social marketing campaign is also being planned in WA for the 2011/2012 financial year.

4 Freedom From Fear campaign against domestic violence, Domestic Violence Prevention Unit, Women’s Policy Development Office, Government of Western Australia 1998.

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 7 Alcohol and Other Drugs As Contributing Factors The WA Government has developed a media prevention campaign named Alcohol. Think Again which aims to reduce alcohol-related harm that results from long-term and short-term harmful drinking. The 2010 campaign, which was launched in September, focused on decreasing the problems resulting from excessive alcohol consumption and tolerating drunken behaviour and is part of an ongoing effort to change the drinking culture. The campaign was repeated from 23 January-12 March 2011 with a proposal to be repeated in July 2011.

Raising Community Awareness Peer Education In 2007, a partnership between the WA Government and the community sector led to the development of the Domestic and Dating Violence Peer Education Pilot Project. The project was designed to raise awareness about domestic and dating violence among teachers and secondary students in one metropolitan and one regional secondary school in WA. The project was evaluated, and due it its success, was rolled out in 2008 and 2009 as the Speak Out Program to three metropolitan and five regional secondary schools. The program is currently being reviewed with a view to further develop and deliver across the state using a train-the-trainer approach.

Silent Memorial March & White Ribbon Day A Silent Memorial March is held in April each year in WA to raise awareness and remember people killed as a result of family and domestic violence. In 2010, the 20th anniversary of the march was moved to coincide with White Ribbon Day on 25 November, which marks the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. In addition to the march, a White Ribbon Day Conference was held on 25 and 26 November in 2010. The conference was a unique training opportunity that provided professional development opportunities focussing on raising awareness of the need for early intervention that can prevent family and domestic violence homicides. The Conference also focused on strengthening community awareness, exchanging and sharing good practice based responses and consolidating the need for a strong multi-agency response to family and domestic violence that will result in victim safety and perpetrator accountability. It was estimated that approximately 500 people attended and participated in the march, which was an increase of 40 per cent from the previous year. The conference was also very well attended and was filmed to ensure that rural and remote participants who were unable to attend had access to the valuable information. Due to the success of coinciding the march with White Ribbon Day, these events will now continue to be combined in future years.

Respectful Relationships Education It is acknowledged, while prevention at a community level is essential, there is also a need for prevention initiatives supporting individuals to develop healthy and respectful relationships.5 In 2010, implementation of the Respectful Relationships initiative commenced and included the development of a range of educational and training formats to directly educate young people aged between 12 and 25 years about respectful relationships, as well as resourcing school staff and other professionals. The initiative is working towards the move to include healthy relationships within the national curriculum.

5 The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022.

8 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT Outcome Two: Safety For Victims

Adult and child victims are safe and kept free from harm through timely and accessible services.

Strategy Links Strategy 4 – Develop a statewide integrated response to those experiencing family and domestic violence.

Strategy 5 – Provide an accessible, integrated 24 hour response to family and domestic violence throughout the state including crisis and post-crisis intervention.

Strategy 6 – Ensure a range of safe and supported emergency and longer term accommodation and housing options for those affected by family and domestic violence, with priority consideration given to regional and remote locations and Aboriginal communities.

Strategy 7- Provide advocacy and support responses that address the health and wellbeing of those affected by family and domestic violence, with priority consideration given to regional and remote locations and Aboriginal communities.

Strategy 8 – Ensure access to specialist short and long term counselling and support services for children who are victims of family and domestic violence.

Initiatives Accommodation Advocacy and Support A total of 37 women’s refuges are funded across the state through the joint Commonwealth/State National Affordable Housing Agreement. These services, which are provided by the community sector, provide safe and supported accommodation to women, with or without accompanying children, who require support as a result of family and domestic violence or other crisis. The Department for Child Protection also provides funding to the community sector for the delivery of family and domestic violence counselling, advocacy and support services. These services assist adults, young people and children to find solutions to both practical and personal problems which have arisen where family and domestic violence has occurred, or is likely to occur. The WA State Government operates the following specific family and domestic violence 24 hour statewide services: • The Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline. A free 24 hour telephone information, referral and counselling service for men to help them change their violent behaviour towards female partners. Men calling the helpline can talk anonymously to trained professionals who will listen, give options and refer on to other service where appropriate.

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 9 • Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline. A free 24 hour telephone support and counselling service for women experiencing family and domestic violence. The Crisis Care Unit of the Department for Child Protection also provides a free 24 hour telephone service that provides referral to crisis accommodation or financial assistance for women to stay at a hotel for up to three nights if a refuge bed is unavailable. • Sexual Assault Resource Centre Helpline. A 24 hour crisis helpline which offers assistance and support to any person, female or male, aged 13 years or over who has experienced any form of unwanted sexual contact or behaviour in the preceding two weeks. A free counselling service is also available during business hours to people who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse in the past (more than two weeks ago).

In October 2010, a national telephone counselling service, 1800RESPECT was launched. The 1800RESPECT is a confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is staffed by qualified and specialist counsellors who provide counselling, information, advice and referrals, free of charge. In 2011, the service will be expanded to include online counselling and coordination with existing state and territory domestic violence and sexual assault services. A National Working Group is now established to progress this work and includes WA representatives who are responsible for operating the state based helplines.

Safe at Home Keeping women and children safe in their homes following an incident of family and domestic violence plays a major role in reducing homelessness. Many women are forced to flee their homes during or after an incident of family and domestic violence and what often follows is a cycle of seeking refuge at a women’s shelter, staying with friends or extended family and/or ultimately becoming homeless. To address this, the WA Government provides funding to community sector agencies to operate the Domestic Violence Outreach Service incorporating the Safe at Home Program. This program provides a range of initiatives to help women and children remain in their homes following a family and domestic violence incident, where it is safe to do so. The Domestic Violence Outreach program is available statewide. The Safe at Home program is located in the North West, North East, South West and South East metropolitan regions, as well as two rural centres in the South West and the Wheatbelt. Through this initiative, perpetrators of family and domestic violence are referred to Breathing Space, which has been operating since 2002 and offers statewide telephone counselling, online and face to face support. Breathing Space also runs a three month residential program for men who have perpetrated violence against their partner.

Integration WA is committed to strengthening the way in which it responds to family and domestic violence by developing a more comprehensive and integrated service system across the state. Importantly, integration relies on the cooperation of agencies working together to offer a seamless service to clients, including in smaller regional and remote locations. The challenges to service delivery in these locations include the specific geographical, social, economic and cultural contexts that differentiate the many communities situated across WA.

10 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT East Kimberley Hub and Outreach Service In 2008, the Commonwealth funded the Department for Child Protection to develop and implement a service response to family violence within the East Kimberley. As a result, the East Kimberley Family Violence Hub and Outreach Service (the Hub) was established. The Hub is underpinned by key principles of community development, safety and accountability, and works to support the communities of Kalumburu, Oombulgurri, Wyndham, Kununurra and Warmun. The Hub assists communities to identify their specific needs and priorities, to build on strengths, develop appropriate programs and services, training opportunities and support a community response to family violence. Although it is still early days, the development of the programs and activities has begun to raise awareness and challenge the acceptance of family violence in communities as part of community education and awareness raising in the East Kimberley region. Activities undertaken include: • community education initiatives that raise awareness of family violence and challenge the normalisation of violence as part of family life in indigenous communities, and build the capacity of Aboriginal people to safely speak out; • prevention and intervention programs that target children and young people who are experiencing family violence; • programs and services designed to help family members deal with conflict within their relationships with a focus on individual safety and accountability; • activities that focus on healing, seeking to address the multi-layered and traumatic issues experienced by Indigenous people, and that strengthens culture; • establishment of a ‘place of their own’ for women that they can go to for safety, support, counselling and information including information about violence restraining orders and the law; • culturally appropriate programs for men that challenge violent behaviour and places to go for support in times of family violence; • engagement of Community Family Violence Resource Workers (natural helpers) in each community who can appropriately provide some of the support that communities need; and • case management and monitoring of high risk family violence cases by government and non-government agencies that provides family violence services.

A comprehensive action research evaluation of the Hub will be conducted in 2011.

Regional Development Task Forces To enhance service delivery to families in regional and remote areas of WA, across-government Regional Deployment task forces have been established. These task forces attend areas where there are limited resources and undertake an analysis of local issues, including family and domestic violence and child abuse, develop operational plans and undertake activities such as providing communities with education about protective behaviours. In addition, the task forces are able to respond to and investigate child abuse offences in a timely manner.

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 11 Family and Domestic Violence Case Management and Coordination Services Following the release of the Annual Action Plan 2009-2010, the Coordinating Committees known as Regional Coordination Responses to Family and Domestic Violence (RCRFDVs) were reviewed and evaluated. As a result, the Committees were re-named and their focus re-directed towards case management of high risk family violence cases. They are now known as Family and Domestic Violence Case Management and Coordination Services (CMCSs). CMCSs comprise of government and community sector agencies which share a collective responsibility for services to respond to family and domestic violence. The primary role and function of the CMCSs has been standardised across the state to include an interagency Case Management Group and a Regional Coordination Group. In 2010-2011, three new CMCSs were introduced, bringing the total to 17. The interagency Case Management Group is made up of operational level practitioners who work collaboratively to manage the risk and safety of high-risk family and domestic violence cases. The Regional Coordination Group is made up of senior managers from all agencies involved with responding to family and domestic violence, with their role being to monitor and address local, regional and systemic barriers that impact negatively on victim safety, perpetrator accountability and the integrated response. When the Regional Coordination Group is unable to resolve identified issues, they are referred to the Department for Child Protection’s, Family and Domestic Violence Unit who will either work to resolve issues directly, or refer to the SOG for further consideration.

Family and Domestic Violence Memorandum of Understanding for Information Sharing In 2009-2010, the Memorandum of Understanding for information sharing between agencies with responsibilities for preventing and responding to family and domestic violence in Western Australia (MoU) was endorsed and signed by state and Commonwealth government agencies. In 2010-2011, negotiations have commenced with community sector agencies to endorse and become signatories to the MoU, with an evaluation of the effectiveness to be undertaken 12 months from the date that all signatures have been obtained. A training program for service providers on information sharing will also be developed and delivered across the state to support the implementation of the MoU.

Family and Domestic Violence Common Risk Assessment Risk Management Framework The Family and Domestic Violence Common Risk Assessment Risk Management Framework (CRARMF) outlines a minimum standard for screening, assessment and response to family and domestic violence for all mainstream and specialist services in WA. In 2009-2010, a draft framework was developed, finalised and endorsed by the Minister for Child Protection. A two day statewide training program, implementation and evaluation plan for the CRARMF was developed in 2010-2011. The training will commence in September 2011 and initially target services with key responsibility to respond to family and domestic violence.

12 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT Department for Child Protection and Western Australia Police Service Co-location The WA Police and the Department for Child Protection both play a major role in addressing the occurrence and subsequent effects of family and domestic violence. While both agencies have different mandates in terms of their roles and functions, there remains a strong need to continue to develop ways of integrating the policing and child protection responses. This integration is essential in maximising the provision of safety to children and adult victims of family and domestic violence and ensuring those individuals enacting violence, are held accountable through the criminal justice and child protection systems. The co-occurrence of family and domestic violence and child abuse is well established in research internationally. The Family and Domestic Violence Co-location Model focuses on the prevention of child abuse and family and domestic violence through improved information sharing, collaborative case management, coordinated responses, resource sharing and referrals to other support agencies. The co-location of Senior Child Protection Field Workers in WA police stations began in 2000 in Armadale and Cannington. The 2008/09 state budget provided funds for six new positions to introduce co-location across the metropolitan area. The 2009/10 state budget provided funds for nine new positions to expand the co-location model to regional areas. One of the major improvements made through this partnership includes changes to the Domestic Violence Incident Reports (DVIRs) that WA Police complete for every domestic violence incident responded to. The amendments have resulted in the provision of more relevant, fact oriented information about the incident and details about the children and their presence at the incident.

Consistency in Service Responses During 2011/12, WA will work toward setting consistent service standards for agencies funded to respond to victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. The development of practice guidelines for women’s and children’s services has already commenced. The WA State Government has also partnered with the community sector to implement a service systems project in 2011-2012. The project will map the sector, develop service standards for service agreements and monitor the interface between new services and existing services to work towards ensuring appropriate responses and a seamless referral process for women and children.

Family and Domestic Violence Fatality Review In 2009, a forum was held to consider whether it would be appropriate to establish a family and domestic violence fatality review process in WA. Following the forum, a Fatality Review Working Group was established through SOG and tasked with developing recommendations for the introduction of a fatality review process. The WA Government is currently considering the recommendations of the Fatality Review Working Group.

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 13 Outcome Three: Accountability For Perpetrators

Perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and are actively supported to cease their violent behaviour.

Strategy Links Strategy 9 – Ensure a range of evidence based programs and interventions for perpetrators of family and domestic violence. Strategy 10 – Maintain and continue to develop a strong civil and criminal justice and statutory response to family and domestic violence.

Initiatives Strengthened Criminal and Civil Justice Response Legislation and Courts A review of the operation and effectiveness of Part 2 Division 3A of the Restraining Orders Act 1997 following the 2004 amendments was carried out in 2008. A number of legislative recommendations were made aimed at strengthening the police response to family and domestic violence, improving the consistency of decision-making in family and domestic violence related proceedings, increasing the level of protection for children and integrating the justice response to family and domestic violence with the provision of therapeutic services. The Review Report was tabled in the WA Parliament in May 2008. The majority of the recommendations for legislative change have now been incorporated into amendments to the Restraining Orders Act 1997 which have been introduced into the WA Parliament during 2011. A Memorandum of Understanding exists between the Family Court of WA (FCWA), Legal Aid and the Department for Child Protection which enables information sharing to protect children at risk. An information sharing Protocol also exists between the FCWA and the Family Violence Courts (2007). The Child Related Proceedings Model in the FCWA provides for all cases involving children to be screened for family violence and other risk issues, initially in a triage process, with a Family Consultant assisting the Magistrate in determining the appropriate process for the case. WA is the only jurisdiction with these arrangements in place.

Specialised Family Violence Courts The WA Government has established and implemented specialist Family Violence Courts in six Perth metropolitan Magistrates Court locations and an Aboriginal specific court in Geraldton (Barndimalgu Court).

14 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT The Family Violence Court model uses an interagency and alternative sentencing approach. The aims of the model are to improve the criminal justice response to family violence with a particular emphasis on meeting the needs of Aboriginal people, holding perpetrators accountable for their behaviour, supporting victims in the criminal justice system, ensuring victim safety and reducing the incidence of family and domestic violence. The Family Violence Courts operate on a collaborative case management model involving government and community sector agencies. The mainstream behaviour change programs are funded by the Department of Corrective Services and delivered by community sector agencies. Behaviour change programs specifically designed for Aboriginal offenders are delivered by the Department of Corrective Services. Each Family Violence Court has a Family Violence Support Service which can provide: • assistance with Violence Restraining Order applications and hearings; • information on safety planning, victim support, court processes and family violence services; • help with victim impact statements and protective bail reports; and • referrals for victims to counselling, crisis care and health services. An evaluation of the Family Violence Courts is currently being conducted.

Behaviour Change Programs The safety and wellbeing of women and children cannot be achieved without interventions that hold perpetrators accountable for their behaviour and assist them to stop their violence. Programs addressing such behaviours are delivered across the state in a variety of community and custodial settings. Mandated Mandated men’s behaviour change programs are currently operating in the metropolitan regions of Armadale, Fremantle, Joondalup, Midland, Perth and Rockingham and in the regional centres of Albany and Bunbury. The groups include men who are subject to the Family Violence Court process or who have been placed on community supervision orders or parole with special conditions to attend a program. Perpetrators are referred to the appropriate agency to undergo assessment and treatment. Voluntary Voluntary men’s behaviour change programs are currently operating in the metropolitan regions of Fremantle, Gosnells, Joondalup, Midland, Mirrabooka, Perth and West Leederville and in the regional centres of Bunbury, Esperance and the Goldfields. These programs are offered to men who accept responsibility as perpetrators of family and domestic violence and abuse, and aim to develop their skills and knowledge to stop their violent and abusive behaviour. The Breathing Space therapeutic community model in Kwinana is a unique, intensive residential program for men in the Perth metropolitan area who use violence and abuse against their family members. Breathing Space is a 12 bed accommodation and therapeutic service which includes both individual counselling and group work. Participants receive 10 individual sessions throughout their stay which include but are not limited to, exploration of current life circumstances, safety and security, family of origin, gender issues, and exploring what can be done differently to effect behaviour change.

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 15 Indigenous Family Violence Programs In addition to mainstream men’s treatment programs, the Department for Corrective Services provides an Indigenous Family Violence Program, a 20-week program with one session conducted per week. Referrals are made via the Family Violence Court process or direct from Community Justice staff. The Cross Border Justice Project is led by the Standing Committee of Attorneys General (SCAG) from the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia, in consultation with the respective Chief Executive Officers’ from the Department of Justice or Department of Corrective Services. Facilitators from Alice Springs deliver programs for perpetrators in key communities in the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, which include Amata, Warburton, Kintor, Ernabella, Indulkana, Papunya, Mutitjulu and Fregon.

WA Diversion Program The WA Diversion Program is a separate program that directs offenders with underlying drug use problems into education and treatment. The program personnel, local Magistrates and Family Violence Court staff have established models of local linkage between the program and the Family Violence Courts. The program provides participants with assessment and voluntary participation in a Pre-Sentence Opportunity Program before returning to complete their participation in the Family Violence Court process. An evaluation of the WA Diversion Program is currently underway.

Western Australia Police The WA Police have implemented a number of the recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commission Inquiry into Family Violence6. Family Protection Coordinators are now employed in all 14 police regions across the state. Family Protection Units have also been established in metropolitan areas to assist the Coordinators in the provision of a quality crime focused response to family and domestic violence and facilitate a collaborative interagency response.

National Scheme for Domestic Violence Orders In 2009, the Standing Committee of Attorneys General (SCAG) met in Alice Springs where it was agreed that a working group would be formed to look at options for a national register of family and domestic violence orders. In March 2011, SCAG agreed to the automatic registration of domestic violence orders across jurisdictions. Additionally, subject to the Police Ministers’ agreement, a national domestic violence information sharing capability using the CrimTrac’s National Police Reference System will be established and funded.

6 Australian Law Reform Commission Final Report 114, Family Violence – A National Legal Response, 2010.

16 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT Alcohol as a Contributing Factor

Alcohol restrictions A number of situational factors, although not direct causes, may increase the risk of family and domestic violence, which include family and relationship problems, mental health problems, financial problems, unemployment and recent stressful events.7 Research suggests alcohol is also a risk factor for family and domestic violence and a number of studies have suggested an association between alcohol use and severity of the violence.8 The association between alcohol and family and domestic violence is of particular concern in Indigenous communities, with evidence suggesting alcohol is the factor most strongly associated with the risk of victimisation among Indigenous people. To address these issues, liquor restrictions have been initiated in Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek. Initial evidence from having supply restrictions in place indicates a reduction in the number and severity of violence offences, including family and domestic violence, and was also supported by findings reported in theFitzroy Valley Alcohol Restriction Report December 2010.

Alcohol Management Plans In the lead up to the liquor restrictions being implemented in Fitzroy Crossing, work began on Alcohol Management Plans in the Kimberley region. Since then, a number of Alcohol Management Plans have been established in various regions and towns across the state, including the Pilbara and the Midwest. Alcohol Management Plans provide a means for coordinated and collaborative activity across agencies and community groups, reducing duplication and providing a framework for measuring the impact of activity. The aims of the plans are to have community involvement and ownership in implementing the strategies.

7 Key issues in domestic violence, Australian Institute of Criminology, 2009. 8 The Range and Magnitude of Alcohol’s Harm to Others, 2010. Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 17 Conclusion

It is apparent that the beginning phase of reform in WA, including work towards integration and consistent service provision, is directing a greater focus toward safety for those experiencing family and domestic violence and accountability for those who use violence in their relationships. The establishment of a statewide governance and reporting framework in WA has created a comprehensive planning platform to ensure a joined up approach across government departments and the community sector organisations continues. As issues are reported, the SOG will work to build the evidence base that is needed to strengthen WA’s current response to family and domestic violence and reduce barriers to safety. This reporting framework has already resulted in a strengthened partnership between all agencies who are working together to combat this serious issue. The strengthening of the criminal and civil justice system, together with the collection of and move toward, more consistent and reliable data is expected to provide the evidence that the system in WA is achieving substantial results in providing a greater level of safety for women and children, while holding those who perpetrate violence and abuse more accountable for their actions. The success of the work in WA is the result of strong working relationships between the government, community sector agencies and the community. The commitment to continual improvement of the service system is clear, and it is expected the move towards strengthened and more integrated responses will continue to position WA to positively impact on the lives of individuals affected by family and domestic violence.

18 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT Appendix 1

Key Performance Data The data presented in the tables in Appendix 1 is used to construct a general picture of family and domestic violence across the state and within the various regions. Conversely, the graphs represent a calculated incident rate amongst the population for the specified region. The regions represented are aligned to statistical division as determined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics ‘Australian Standard Geographical Classifications’. The rates per population have been calculated using population data from the ABS’s Regional Population Growth Australia, 2008-09 as at 30 June 2009, 2009-10 as at 30 June 2010. Please Note: Five year trend data will be reflected in future reports as it becomes available. Data for KPI 6 (Hospitalisations) is not represented in Appendix 1 as no current reliable data is available.

Table 1: KPI 1 - Number of Family and Domestic Violence Incidents Reported to Police, by Region and Financial Years Region 2008-09 2009-10

no. no. North Metropolitan 10,436 10,989

South Metropolitan(a) 11,533 11, 812

Kimberley 2,061 2,170

Pilbara 1,449 1,328

Murchison/Gascoyne 1,692 1,671

Wheatbelt 793 970

Goldfields 1,971 2,253

South West 1,749 1,707

Great Southern 941 1,025

Statewide total 32,625 33,925

Source: Western Australia Police (a) Includes Mandurah

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 19 Graph 1: KPI 1 - Family and Domestic Violence Incidents Reported to Police, by Region and Financial years, Rate per population 0.07 – 2008-09 2009-10 0.06 –

0.05 –

0.04 –

0.03 – 0.059 0.061 Rate per population 0.02 – 0.034 0.038 0.030 0.026 0.01 – 0.027 0.025 0.014 0.016 0.014 0.017 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.013 0.010 0.00 – North South Kimberley Pilbara Murchison/ Wheatbelt Goldfields South West Great Metropolitan Metropolitan Gascoyne Southern

Source: Western Australia Police, ABS Regional Population Growth Australia

Table 2: KPI 2 - Police Orders Issued, by Region and Financial Years Orders Years Region Issued 2008-09 2009-10 hrs no. no. 24 2,204 2,654 North Metropolitan 72 582 718 24 2,059 2,493 South Metropolitan(a) 72 549 546 24 407 555 Kimberley 72 146 146 24 354 403 Pilbara 72 83 59 24 480 518 Murchison/Gascoyne 72 95 90 24 160 236 Wheatbelt 72 36 43 24 560 716 Goldfields 72 125 128 24 442 430 South West 72 77 81 24 289 366 Great Southern 72 79 115 24hr 6,955 8,371 Statewide total 72hr 1,772 1,926 Source: Western Australia Police (a) Includes Mandurah

20 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT Graph 2: KPI 2 - Police Orders Issued, 24 hours, by Region and Financial Years, Rate per population 0.0160 – 0.0150 – 2008-09 2009-10 0.0140 – 0.0130 – 0.0120 – 0.0110 – 0.0100 – 0.0090 – 0.0080 – 0.0070 – 0.0116 0.0155 Rate per population 0.0060 – 0.0050 – 0.0040 – 0.0095 0.0121 0.0030 – 0.0075 0.0074 0.0020 – 0.0083 0.0079 0.0025 0.0049 0.0010 – 0.0030 0.0062 0.0024 0.0028 0.0021 0.0027 0.0000 – 0.0031 0.0026 North South Kimberley Pilbara Murchison/ Wheatbelt Goldfields South West Great Metropolitan Metropolitan Gascoyne Southern Regions Source: Western Australia Police, ABS Regional Population Growth Australia

Graph 3: KPI 2 - Police Orders Issued, 72 hours, by Region and Financial Years, Rate per population 0.0050 – 2008-09 2009-10

0.0040 –

0.0030 – 0.000417 0.000409

0.0020 – Rate per population

0.0010 – 0.00076 0.00068 0.00065 0.00063 0.00048 0.00057 0.00213 0.00217 0.00047 0.00048 0.00175 0.00121 0.00147 0.00137 0.00134 0.00194 0.0000 – North South Kimberley Pilbara Murchison/ Wheatbelt Goldfields South West Great Metropolitan Metropolitan Gascoyne Southern Regions Source: Western Australia Police, ABS Regional Population Growth Australia

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 21 Table 3: KPI 3 - Violence Restraining Order (VRO) Applications, by Region and Financial Years Region 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. North Metropolitan 2,953 2,859 South Metropolitan(a) 2,755 2,391 Kimberley 614 616 Pilbara 614 616 Murchison/Gascoyne 299 308 Wheatbelt 140 165 Goldfields 255 257 South West 733 885 Great Southern 733 885 Statewide total 9,096 8,982

Source: Department of the Attorney General (a) Includes Mandurah

Graph 4: KPI 3 - Violence Restraining Order (VRO) Applications, by Region and Financial Years. Rate per population 0.0080 – 2008-09 2009-10 0.0070 –

0.0060 –

0.0050 –

0.0040 – 0.0074 0.0073 0.0074 0.0073 0.0030 – Rate per population

0.0020 – 0.0044 0.0043 0.0047 0.0046 0.0034 0.0029 0.0032 0.0030 0.0039 0.0033 0.0039 0.0010 – 0.0033 0.0022 0.0019 0.0000 – North South Kimberley Pilbara Murchison/ Wheatbelt Goldfields South West Great Metropolitan Metropolitan Gascoyne Southern Regions Source: Department of the Attorney General, ABS Regional Population Growth Australia

22 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT Table 4: KPI 4 - Violence Restraining Orders (VROs) Granted, By Region and Financial Years Region 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. North Metropolitan 2,111 2,059 South Metropolitan(a) 1,836 1,493 Kimberley 450 421 Pilbara 450 421 Murchison/Gascoyne 213 228 Wheatbelt 97 130 Goldfields 164 172 South West 530 651 Great Southern 530 651 Statewide total 6,381 6,226

Source: Department of the Attorney General (a) Includes Mandurah

Graph 5: KPI 4 - Violence Restraining Order (VRO) Granted, by Region and Financial Years. Rate per population 0.0060 – 2008-09 2009-10 0.0050 –

0.0040 –

0.0030 – 0.00545 0.00499 0.00545 0.00499

Rate per population 0.0020 – 0.00291 0.00279 0.00348 0.00329 0.00227

0.0010 – 0.00217 0.00287 0.00239 0.00287 0.00239 0.00226 0.00179 0.00172 0.00130 0.0000 – North South Kimberley Pilbara Murchison/ Wheatbelt Goldfields South West Great Metropolitan Metropolitan Gascoyne Southern Regions

Source: Department of the Attorney General, ABS Regional Population Growth Australia

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 23 Table 5: KPI 5 - Family and Domestic Violence Related Police Charges, by Charge Type, Region and Financial Years Years Region Charge types 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. assault 2,776 2,761 North Metropolitan breach of order 765 791 other 1,620 1,454 assault 2,632 2,508 South Metropolitan(a) breach of order 871 946 other 1,543 1,505 assault 1,323 1,211 Kimberley breach of order 254 248 other 396 306 assault 631 579 Pilbara breach of order 160 102 other 280 300 assault 653 627 Murchison/Gascoyne breach of order 220 227 other 430 388 assault 286 325 Wheatbelt breach of order 54 69 other 192 201 assault 921 792 Goldfields breach of order 183 283 other 459 324 assault 569 507 South West breach of order 182 165 other 322 297 assault 422 341 Great Southern breach of order 115 101 other 286 176 assault 10,213 9,651 Statewide total breach of order 2,804 2,932 other 5,528 4,951 Source: Western Australia Police (a) Includes Mandurah

24 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT Graph 6: KPI 5 - Family and Domestic Violence Related Police Charges, Assaults, Region and Financial Years, Rates per population 0.0400 – 2008-09 2009-10 0.0350 –

0.0300 –

0.0250 –

0.0200 – 0.03780 0.03392

Rate per population 0.0150 –

0.0100 – 0.00717 0.00574 0.01569 0.01341 0.0050 – 0.00382 0.00430 0.00349 0.00302 0.01328 0.01191 0.00299 0.00324 0.00301 0.00291 0.01007 0.00956 0.0000 – North South Kimberley Pilbara Murchison/ Wheatbelt Goldfields South West Great Metropolitan Metropolitan Gascoyne Southern

Regions Source: Western Australia Police, ABS Regional Population Growth Australia

Graph 7: KPI 5 - Family and Domestic Violence Related Police Charges, Breach of Order, Region and Financial Years, Rates per population 0.0080 – 2008-09 2009-10 0.0070 –

0.0060 –

0.0050 –

0.0040 – 0.0069 0.00726 0.0030 – Rate per population 0.00195

0.0020 – 0.0017 0.0011 0.00107 0.00112 0.0010 0.0009 0.0048 0.00312 0.00082 0.0008 0.00072

0.0010 – 0.0021 0.00337 0.0035 0.00339 0.0000 – North South Kimberley Pilbara Murchison/ Wheatbelt Goldfields South West Great Metropolitan Metropolitan Gascoyne Southern

Regions Source: Western Australia Police, ABS Regional Population Growth Australia

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 25 Graph 8: KPI 5 - Family and Domestic Violence Related Police Charges, Other, Region and Financial Years, Rates per population 0.0120 – 2008-09 2009-10 0.0100 –

0.0080 –

0.0060 – Rate per population 0.0040 – 0.0086 0.00113 0.0059 0.0062 0.0066 0.0059 0.0078 0.0055 0.0020 – 0.0049 0.0030 0.0027 0.00026 0.0017 0.0019 0.0018 0.0020 0.0018 0.0015 0.0000 – North South Kimberley Pilbara Murchison/ Wheatbelt Goldfields South West Great Metropolitan Metropolitan Gascoyne Southern

Regions Source: Western Australia Police, ABS Regional Population Growth Australia

Table 7: KPI 7 – Homicides, by Region and Financial Years Region 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. North Metropolitan 5 1 South Metropolitan(a) 3 7 Kimberley 3 3 Pilbara 0 0 Murchison/Gascoyne 0 0 Wheatbelt 0 0 Goldfields 1 1 South West 2 0 Great Southern 1 0 Statewide total 15 12

Source: Western Australia Police (a) Includes Mandurah

26 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT DATA SNAPSHOT BY REGION Table 8: Key Performance Data for the North Metropolitan Region Performance Indicator 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. - Population 928,419 947,699 1 Domestic Violence Incidents attended by Police 10,436 10,989 2 Police Orders 24hr 2,204 2,654 72hr 582 718 3 VRO Applications 2,953 2,859 4 VROs Granted 2,111 2,059 5 Police Charges: assault 2,776 2,761 breach of order 765 791 other 1,620 1,454 7 Homicides 5 1

Source: Western Australia Police, Department of the Attorney General Population statistics are from the ABS Australian Standard Geographical Classifications: North, Central and East Metropolitan

Table 9: Key Performance Data for the South Metropolitan Region Performance Indicator 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. - Population 813,110 834,180 1 Domestic Violence Incidents attended by Police 11,533 11,812 2 Police Orders 24hr 2,059 2,493 72hr 549 546 3 VRO Applications 2,755 2,391 4 VROs Granted 1,836 1,493 5 Police Charges: assault 2,632 2,508 breach of order 871 946 other 1,543 1,505 7 Homicides 3 7

Source: Western Australia Police, Department of the Attorney General Population statistics are from the ABS Australian Standard Geographical Classifications: South West and South East Metropolitan and includes Mandurah

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 27 Table 10: Key Performance Data for the Kimberley Region Performance Indicator 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. - Population 34,999 35,706 1 Domestic Violence Incidents attended by Police 2,061 2,170 2 Police Orders 24hr 407 555 72hr 146 146 3 VRO Applications (Kimberley & Pilbara) (b) 614 616 2,391 4 VROs Granted (Kimberley & Pilbara) (b) 450 421 1,493 5 Police Charges: assault 1,323 1,211 breach of order 254 248 other 396 306 7 Homicides 3 3

(b) Rate of occurrence in the population is determined as an average across both regions for which the data is presented Source: Western Australia Police, Department of the Attorney General Population statistics are from the ABS Australian Standard Geographical Classification: Kimberley

Table 11: Key Performance Data for the Pilbara Region Performance Indicator 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. - Population 47,515 48,610 1 Domestic Violence Incidents attended by Police 1,449 1,328 2 Police Orders 24hr 354 403 72hr 83 59 3 VRO Applications (Kimberley & Pilbara) (b) 614 616 2,391 4 VROs Granted (Kimberley & Pilbara) (b) 450 421 1,493 5 Police Charges: assault 631 579 breach of order 160 102 other 280 300 7 Homicides 0 0

28 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT Table 12: Key Performance Data for the Midwest/Murchison-Gascoyne Region Performance Indicator 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. - Population 64,834 65,600 1 Domestic Violence Incidents attended by Police 1,692 1,671 2 Police Orders 24hr 480 518 72hr 95 90 3 VRO Applications 299 308 4 VROs Granted 213 228 5 Police Charges: assault 653 627 breach of order 220 227 other 430 388 7 Homicides 0 0

Source: Western Australia Police, Department of the Attorney General Population statistics are from the ABS Australian Standard Geographical Classification: Central

Table 13: Key Performance Data for the Wheatbelt Region Performance Indicator 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. - Population 74,887 75,535 1 Domestic Violence Incidents attended by Police 793 970 2 Police Orders 24hr 160 236 72hr 36 43

3 VRO Applications (Joondalup & Midland Courts) (b) 140 165

4 VROs Granted (Joondalup & Midland Courts) (b) 97 130 5 Police Charges: assault 286 325 breach of order 54 69 other 192 201 7 Homicides 0 0

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 29 Table 14: Key Performance Data for the Goldfields Region Performance Indicator 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. - Population for this Region 58,712 59,070 1 Number of Domestic Violence Incidents attended by Police 1,971 2,253 2 Number of Police Orders issued 24hr 560 716 72hr 125 128 3 VRO Applications 255 257 4 VROs Granted 164 172 5 Police Charges: assault 921 792 breach of order 183 283 other 459 324 7 Homicides 1 1

Source: Western Australia Police, Department of the Attorney General Population statistics are from the ABS Australian Standard Geographical Classification: South Eastern

Table 15: Key Performance Data for the South West Region Performance Indicator 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. - Population 163,124 167,698 1 Domestic Violence Incidents attended by Police 1,749 1,707 2 Police Orders 24hr 442 430 72hr 77 81

3 VRO Applications (South West & Great Southern) (b) 733 885

4 VROs Granted (South West & Great Southern) (b) 530 651 5 Police Charges: assault 569 507 breach of order 182 165 other 322 297 7 Homicides 2 0

30 Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT Table 16: Key Performance Data for the Great Southern Region

Performance Indicator 2008-09 2009-10 no. no. - Population 58,836 59,412 1 Domestic Violence Incidents attended by Police 941 1,025 2 Police Orders 24hr 289 366 72hr 79 115

3 VRO Applications (South West & Great Southern) (b) 733 885

4 VROs Granted (South West & Great Southern) (b) 530 651 5 Police Charges: assault 422 341 breach of order 115 101 other 286 176 7 Homicides 1 0

Western Australia Strategic Plan for FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2009-2013 MID TERM PROGRESS REPORT 31 Family and Domestic Violence Unit