Published on Tuesday, 9 April 2024 at 2:31:31 PM
The Town of Port Hedland welcomes the WA State Government’s investment into family and domestic violence services in Hedland.
The State Government has announced the Safe at Home initiative will be expanded into Hedland, Kununurra and Kalgoorlie.
The initiative is designed to undertake risk assessments, safety planning, security upgrades and provide in-home support for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence so they can stay in their own homes. It began in 2010 and has been operating in the Perth metropolitan area, Wheatbelt and the South West. It recently expanded to Katanning and Fitzroy Crossing.
Town of Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter said the expansion into Port Hedland was sorely needed.
“Community safety is the number one concern for the Hedland community. According to crime statistics, instances of family and domestic violence reached a record high in 2023, with cases more than doubling over the last seven years,” Mayor Carter said.
“Creating safe spaces for women and children can make a big difference – we are pleased to see the State Government responding to concerns and investing in an initiative which aims to keep families safe.”
Mayor Carter said the Town of Port Hedland consistently heard from residents that they would like to see increased support for community safety initiatives.
“Research commissioned by the Town has shown that two out of three people in our community felt unsafe in the last year," Mayor Carter said.
"Hedland has an amazing network of community organisations that are working tirelessly to improve the social environment for our community – I am immensely grateful for their commitment and look forward to seeing their contribution to this initiative.
“Feeling safe in your community is a basic human right and we are committed to further work with the State Government and community organisations to improve safety in Hedland.”
The Town adopted a refreshed Community Safety Plan in December 2023.
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