The WA government has outlined new measures and spending to target family and domestic violence, focusing on coercive control. But it remains locked in a stalemate with the City of Perth, which is standing firm on its decision to close a well-used women's shelter in East Perth, leaving dozens of women in the lurch.
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00:00 In the midst of its 16 days campaign to end domestic violence, the state government says
00:06 it's playing its part.
00:08 It's committed an additional $73 million to a range of programs, including $1.5 million
00:13 to boost a program running in schools.
00:16 Whilst government has a part to play, and we will continue to play that part, we all
00:20 have a part to play, no matter where we come from.
00:23 The first stage of long-awaited coercive control laws, which will make certain controlling
00:28 behaviours illegal, will also be introduced soon.
00:31 But despite its efforts, the government's still locked in a stalemate with the City
00:34 of Perth over the future of the East Perth Safe Night Space, which shelters up to 30
00:39 women each night.
00:40 The council's funded the service and given it a building for the last two and a half
00:44 years, but says residents want their community centre back.
00:47 The City of Perth have played a really important part in the last two and a half years.
00:52 What I would implore, what I would beg the City of Perth to do, is to continue to play
00:58 the important part that they have played.
01:00 It's a tragedy that the City of Perth cannot understand the importance of keeping it open.
01:05 I think it speaks volumes for their attitude towards vulnerable women, particularly women
01:10 who are escaping family and domestic violence.
01:12 The Lord Mayor wasn't available to comment because he's out of the country, but a spokesperson
01:16 said it had been advocating since the beginning of the year for another location to be found,
01:21 with everyone told when the service would close.
01:24 The State Government and the City of Perth need to put politics aside, work together
01:29 and ensure that these women have a home this Christmas.
01:34 But time's running out with the service due to close on Thursday.
01:37 [BLANK_AUDIO]