16 Days in WA – Stopping Family and Domestic Violence
To mark the beginning of 16 Days in WA, we held our 16 Days in WA Symposium, which included the launch of our Action Plan as part of the second phase of our Family and Domestic Violence Framework (FDV).
A first of its kind in WA, the framework is dedicated to Jessica Bairnsfather-Scott, a North Metropolitan Health Service employee who tragically lost her life as a victim of Family and Domestic Violence.
Launched by the Minister for Health, Hon Meredith Hammat, the Action Plan builds on the good work undertaken during the Horizon 1 phase of this framework.
“Family and Domestic Violence it is not just a women’s issue; it is a whole-of-community and public health issue that demands collective action," said Minister Hammat.
Women and Newborn Health Service Executive Director Jeffrey Williams said health care workers play a vital role in helping to deal with FDV, often being the first point of contact for victims.
"Together, we can make our health service a safe place for patients and staff and a leader in preventing family and domestic violence," he said.“We need to keep listening without judgment and keep using the tools and pathways we’ve built, because every disclosure is an opportunity to change a life, support a family and provide ongoing care.”
The framework reflects the organisation's commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration across WA government organisations.
NMHS Strategy and Transformation Executive Director Ian Sheldrake said North Metropolitan Health Service is committed to creating a safe, empowering and supportive environment where patients and staff feel confident to disclose if they are experiencing FDV.
“The framework recognises the critical role health services play in early identification and response that improves health outcomes for those impacted,” he said.
“This includes delivering training and education to build competencies and providing resources to ensure our teams are equipped to respond effectively.”
The 16 Days in WA campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December and is an important campaign to help end violence against women and children.
The event was inspired by the global 16 Days of Activism and this year’s theme Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play Your Part, reminds us that change requires all of us.
For more information about the 16 Days in WA campaign