21 October 2019

People in the City of Greater Geraldton are invited to participate in a survey to find out what they think about family and domestic violence.

Researchers from the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) and the University of Western Australia have received funding from Healthway to support community efforts towards prevention of family and domestic violence (FDV) in Geraldton.

The survey is based upon a large national survey that collects similar information so that it will be possible to compare responses in Geraldton to the rest of Australia.

The results of the survey can help inform public policy related to family and domestic violence prevention and response.

Police data show the rate of assault by a family member in the Midwest – Gascoyne Region for the period July 2017 – June 2018 was 17% higher than the rate for regional WA, and more than twice the state average.

WACRH Director, Professor Sandra Thompson said “We know that family and domestic violence is a major health issue in Geraldton. Whilst there are surveys that measure FDV at a national level, there is currently nothing suitable to do so at a community level. WACRH is leading the way in developing a survey that can be used to highlight issues related to family violence at a local level."

"We need a wide range of the community to complete the survey to give us robust information on local residents' perspectives. We would like every adult in the City of Greater Geraldton to complete the survey, whether or not they have personal experience of family and domestic violence. Including everyone's views can help to inform services, actions and policy decisions that are relevant to the needs of the Geraldton community. We hope that everyone will take the 10-15 minutes needed to complete the survey.”

People who complete the survey can go into the draw to win one of five cash prizes. Multiple entries are not permitted. Contact details for the prize draw will not be linked to responses.

If this survey raises any issues for you there are a number of helplines/webchat services that you can contact:

• 1800 Respect – 1800 737 727
• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Women’s domestic violence help line – 1800 007 339
• Men’s domestic violence help line – 1800 000 599
• Call 000 if you are in immediate danger

Photo caption: WA Centre for Rural Health Director Professor Sandra Thompson, Research Assistant Luke Ringin with Desert Blue Connect’s Chief Executive Officer Russell Pratt and Executive Manager Operations Daphne White.

Media contact: Mia Jeffrey, Marketing and Communications Officer - (08) 9956 0225 - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About WACRH: The WA Centre for Rural Health of the University of Western Australia is one of 15 University Departments of Rural Health in Australia. The main office is based in Geraldton in the Midwest of Western Australia, with a satellite office based in Karratha in the Pilbara. It aims to improve rural, remote and Aboriginal health through research, education, student support and community service activities. For more information, visit: www.wacrh.uwa.edu.au.