Essential upgrade to Pilbara Women’s and Children’s Centre officially opened for those escaping violence

A centre aimed at assisting women and children experiencing domestic and family violence has officially opened in the Pilbara as part of the Federal Government’s Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program. The facility was opened on Tuesday, December 3 and provides 14 new homes — a combination of two, three and four-bedroom units supporting families and single women — enhancing the centre’s flexibility and capacity. The Salvation Army engaged with the community and First Nations leaders throughout the design process to create a purpose-built facility that not only increases capacity but also meets the unique cultural needs of those seeking support. WA Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Sabine Winton toured the facility on December 3 alongside WA Senator Varun Ghosh. “The Salvation Army’s new centre will provide vital support for victim-survivors in the Pilbara, ensuring they have a safe space to rebuild their lives,” Ms Winton said. “I am proud that this announcement is being made during the 16 Days in WA campaign, which aims to prevent gender-based violence. “It’s the eighth year of this critically important campaign and each year, the momentum grows, and we are bringing family domestic violence out of the shadows, and victim-survivors are feeling more empowered to reach out and tell their stories.” Earlier this year, police statistics revealed Pilbara domestic violence rates continued to be the second-worst in WA at more than five times the Perth metropolitan area’s rate. The region recorded 1919 family assaults per 100,000 people in 2022-23 — just over five times the rate of family assaults in the metro area of 368 per 100,000 people. The new centre replaced an existing facility that has supported women and children escaping family violence in the Pilbara since the 1980s. Because the facility no longer met increasing community needs, planning started in 2019 to explore the possibility of an improved centre. The Albanese Labor Government committed $5.8 million to the new centre, Woodside provided $1m, Rio Tinto donated $250,000, and the project also received a $500,000 Lotterywest grant for fit-out costs. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.