16 days in WA – Stop Violence against Women

NMHS is proud to be taking part in the 16 Days in WA - Stop Violence against Women campaign taking place from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

In Australia, Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) is the number one contributing factor to the burden of disease for Australian women aged 18-44 years and is a significant public health issue.

One in three Australian women have experienced physical or sexual violence and/or emotional abuse by an intimate partner since the age of 15. Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today.

What is happening around NMHS

• Check out the Women and Newborn Health Service (WNHS) 16 days in WA Calendar of Events. During the 16 Days you can learn more about FDV, listen to a gripping podcast and expand your knowledge about aspects of FDV you may not know a lot about.
• The Women’s Health Strategy and Programs team based at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) has developed two e-learning modules designed for the WA Health workforce: FDV Introduction and FDV Screening and Responding. Access the WA Health FDV Toolbox (external site) for the e-learning, further information or resources.
• KEMH have a poster displayed in the Staff Dining Room where staff can pledge what they are going to do to help end violence against women. The colours in the flower petals on the poster artwork symbolise five organisations coming together to support 16 Days in WA - Aboriginal Family Law Services, Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence (WA), UN Women, North Metropolitan Health Service and Women and Newborn Health Service.
• Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) Watling Walk display Wednesday 25- Friday 27 November with the SCGH Social Work department. Social Work staff will be wearing fact stickers on these days to prompt questions and discussion from staff and patients/families.
• Osborne Park Hospital Social Work staff will be wearing the 16 days stickers to promote discussion and will display posters in their work areas.

If you need FDV support, please contact Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline at 1800 007 339 or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).