A new report by the West Australian Ombudsman has revealed alarming findings about the handling of family and domestic violence cases in the state. The report, titled Review of Family and Domestic Violence in WA, highlights that over 60 per cent of incidents reviewed posed a high risk of serious harm. However, only 2.5 per cent of these cases were escalated for coordinated multi-agency intervention, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of current systems.
The report, tabled in parliament on Thursday, outlines nine key recommendations aimed at improving the response to family and domestic violence. It draws on data from 388 families who interacted with the WA Police Force and the Department of Communities, as well as 237 fatality review investigations conducted since 2012.
Key Findings
One of the most concerning aspects of the report is that government agencies often fail to follow proper processes when identifying and responding to high-risk cases. According to WA Ombudsman Bevan Warner, the risk assessment system is not working as intended, leaving many victims without the support they need.
Warner explained that individuals deemed to be at the highest risk did not receive essential assistance such as referrals to support agencies, guidance on how to leave an abusive situation, or practical measures like changed locks, security cameras, or duress alarms. These tools are crucial in ensuring the safety of victims and their children.
Coordination Between Agencies
Warner emphasized the need for greater coordination between the Department of Communities and WA Police. He stated that both agencies must work from the same script when assessing risk to ensure consistency and effectiveness in protecting victims.
The report also examined the response to fatalities, finding that many warning signs were known before a death occurred. Each loss is a tragedy for families and communities, and the report stresses the importance of learning from these events to prevent future occurrences.
Perpetrator Accountability
Another critical issue highlighted in the report is the lack of accountability for perpetrators beyond the justice system. Justine Vassilios, director of the Ombudsman review, noted that out of 421 perpetrators identified in the sample group, only 49 received referrals for perpetrator intervention programs. This is despite the fact that nearly 85 per cent of these individuals had previously interacted with family and domestic violence response teams.
In one case, a single perpetrator was found to have interacted with the response teams on 81 occasions. Vassilios said this demonstrates a systemic failure, as perpetrators can repeatedly move through the system without meaningful intervention.
Government Response
Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski defended the government’s efforts, stating that the report is based on data collected over a four-week period in November 2024. She argued that it does not reflect the current level of investment in the sector, including a $60 million funding boost to enhance the Family and Domestic Violence Response Team since 2024.
However, opposition spokesperson Libby Mettam criticized the findings, calling it a “catastrophic breakdown in the system.” She warned that women and children remain vulnerable due to the lack of effective safeguards.
Rising Rates of Domestic Violence
New statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show a significant increase in family and domestic violence-related offences in WA. Nearly 12,000 offenders were proceeded against in 2024-25, a 20 per cent rise from the previous year. This represents a rate of 448 offenders per 100,000 people, the highest increase among all states and territories.
More than half of the offenders were charged with acts intended to cause injury, and nearly 80 per cent were men. These figures underscore the urgent need for improved prevention and response strategies.
High-Profile Cases
Recent high-profile cases in WA courts have further highlighted the severity of the issue. Cameron Pearson was jailed for life for the murder of his partner, Alice McShera, while Tobias Nuttall pleaded guilty to murdering his girlfriend. A Perth mother recently fled the country after her abuser was granted bail.
Greens MP Jess Beckerling expressed deep concern over the rising numbers, calling for immediate action rather than excuses. She acknowledged the increase in reporting but stressed that more violence is being experienced by women and children.
WA Police Minister Reece Whitby urged continued public awareness and support for victims, emphasizing that domestic violence should not be hidden behind closed doors. He called for a renewed focus on addressing the issue.
Beckerling also questioned whether jailing perpetrators is always the solution, suggesting that those at high risk of reoffending should be denied bail. Meanwhile, Stojkovski pointed to legislative changes that have led to more perpetrators being incarcerated.
