Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA is calling for greater wrap-around support to assist curbing family and domestic violence in Geraldton, following a new report.
It comes after it was revealed nearly all high-risk victims of domestic violence did not receive the support they were supposed to, according to the WA Ombudsman.
Meanwhile, cases of threatening behaviour involving families and family-related assaults both increased in the Mid West-Gascoyne in 2025 according to WA Police.
Question Time on Thursday revealed the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence rejected the report, saying it does not reflect the current situation.
Ms Warr said victims in Geraldton were being let down by the system.
“Wrap-around support services in Geraldton are stretched,” she said.
“Announcements continue to be made by this government, but the reality is we’re not seeing change on the ground.
“The report highlights systemic failures from the State Government despite all of their announcements. Labor has promised big, but has failed to deliver and deflects accountability at every turn.”
Ms Warr said the Government’s response to the increase was frustrating.
“While the State Government says the increased number of cases is due to more victims reporting, and it’s extremely courageous of these victims to do so, but there are strained or non existent supports for the women reporting these instances.
“Women have every right to feel safe, protected and supported, by the community, leaders, and especially by the Cook Labor Government, but latter certainly isn’t the case.”
Ms Warr said the proposed refuge units, committed to by The Nationals WA ahead of the State election, would go a long way for victims.
“Labor agreed to building additional refuge units in Geraldton, but the details and the timing around the delivery are not yet known,” she said.
“My office continues to hear from victims of domestic violence who have nowhere else to turn because of the significant demand for safe housing.
“We need to support our victims by providing greater wrap-around services, and methods to support the prevention of domestic violence: neither of which appear to be a priority under this Government.”