The Western Australian government is ramping up its initiatives to tackle family and domestic violence, with a pledge to criminalise coercive control during its current term. Jessica Stojkovski, the newly appointed Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, has indicated that the government is making significant strides in enhancing the wellbeing of victims.
Stojkovski emphasised the importance of discussing family and domestic violence, stating, “Every time we open up conversations about family and domestic violence, it’s a good thing.” She remarked that such discussions should no longer be considered taboo.
The pressing issue of domestic violence in WA was brought to light through a special series by 9News titled “Turning Point: Lessons from Floreat,” which highlighted the devastating effects of this violence. A particularly heart-wrenching moment came from an emergency call made by a nine-year-old child, who reported, “My dad hit my mum in the stomach or the head… Please hurry, I’m scared.” This exchange highlighted the emotional toll such situations have on children, as the child expressed distress and fear during the call.
Stojkovski acknowledged the profound emotional impact of these narratives and noted the personal connection, sharing, “It hit quite close to home, if I’m honest. I’ve got a nine-year-old child.” She recognised that the emotional weight of such stories cannot be overlooked.
In addressing concerns about whether the state is experiencing a crisis, Stojkovski pointed out that ongoing conversations have raised awareness about domestic violence, leading to increased reporting. The motivation for heightened scrutiny and reform was amplified by the tragic murders of Jennifer and Gretyl Petelczyc by Mark Bombara in Floreat. Following this, Ariel Bombara has become a vocal advocate for change, expressing hope for improvements in the lives of women affected by violence.
Stojkovski reiterated that while the government is making progress, it is still a work in progress. “It’s not a perfect solution, nothing is in a community, but I think the things that our government has been doing are those incremental steps,” she asserted.
Criminalising coercive control, a measure already enacted in New South Wales and Queensland, forms a central aspect of the state’s approach. However, a public education campaign is planned ahead of the implementation to ensure the community understands this form of abuse. “To be honest, most people didn’t know what coercive control was before we started to educate them,” Stojkovski noted, underscoring the importance of impactful initiatives rather than actions taken for the sake of formality.
For anyone experiencing family or domestic violence, help is available through the National Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).