A high demand for a family and domestic violence (FDV) service based on government data and residents’ insight was the main reason for the new FDV hub being built in Armadale, according to Hope chief executive Tracey Brand.
In 2024-25 WA Police recorded 3252 cases of family assault cases in the Armadale district, 937 family threatening behaviour, 545 recent sexual offences and 188 historic sexual offences.
“That is not to say that family and domestic violence is not a problem elsewhere, as we all know that it permeates every level of society,” Ms Brand said.
Prior to opening as the Waullo Dawn Healing Service, Ms Brand said FDV support was provided under the South East FDV (SEFDV) Healing Service.
A Hope spokesperson said 140 clients were supported at SEFDV in 2024-25 through one-off practical assistance or ongoing support.
Ms Brand said it was difficult to put an exact figure on the rates of FDV in the area.
“FDV is often invisible and often unreported to police, especially when it comes to the more insidious forms of FDV like coercive control,” she said.
“What we do know is that there is a great will and commitment within the Armadale community to build a safer community where women, children and others can thrive.”
According to a 2022 report about the hub’s service model proposal, Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) people were the main target group.
“The overrepresentation of Aboriginal and CaLD communities in FDV data and their current difficulty in accessing service delivery led to a prioritisation of these groups,” the report said.
Ms Brand said they had Aboriginal voices and input at every level during the hub design process.
“Building a culturally safe facility and service was a top priority,” she said.
“The hub itself is operated jointly by Hope and Yorgum Healing Services, which is an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation.
“One of the other partners is Aboriginal Legal Services of WA.
“We also spent a great deal of time working with the local community and local Noongar Elders on building a service that would meet their needs.”
Ms Brand said the hub would run cultural activities, groups and healing sessions for Aboriginal women which were typically led by Aboriginal women.
She said Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services was also on board to meet the needs of women and children from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
Ms Brand hoped the hub would provide a safe space for women, children and others who need support.
