• WA Liberals will criminalise coercive control as a priority.

• Mettam Liberal Government to invest $20m to address the shortfall in refuge capacity.

• All WA Police Officers will receive comprehensive and continuous training on FDV.

A Mettam Liberal Government will introduce legislation as a matter of priority to criminalise coercive control, according to Libby Mettam, WA Liberal Leader and Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence.

“WA is falling behind the rest of the world and the rest of Australia when it comes to making coercive control a criminal offence,” said Ms Mettam.

“It is an offence in the UK, Ireland, France, and even in Tasmania, with both NSW and QLD progressing legislation.

“But WA Labor has refused to provide any detail on the legislative implementation of criminalising coercive control.

“This is despite the fact the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime released a report which recommended criminalising coercive control.

“That is why the WA Liberals will introduce a bill to criminalise coercive control as a priority.”

Coercive control involves patterns of behaviour that intimidate, isolate, and manipulate victims, stripping them of their autonomy and sense of self.

By criminalising these actions, Western Australia can join other regions that have provided a legal framework recognising the severity and complexity of psychological, financial, and emotional abuse, which often precedes physical violence.

A WA Liberal Government will also commit $1m per annum to fund comprehensive and continuous training for police officers, according to Peter Collier, Shadow Police Minister.

“Our Police Force is often the first point of contact for victims of FDV, and their ability to recognise, assess and respond appropriately can significantly impact the safety and outcomes for those involved,” said Mr Collier.

“That’s why a WA Liberal Government will provide training to ensure all officers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify the various forms of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse.

“This includes educating officers on how to handle cases involving coercive control, recognising the signs of ongoing abuse even in the absence of physical violence, and understanding the legal frameworks available to protect victims.

“By investing in thorough and ongoing domestic violence training for Police Officers, the criminal justice system can improve its ability to protect victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and ultimately reduce the prevalence of FDV.

“This approach not only enhances the immediate response to incidents but also fosters a long-term commitment to addressing domestic violence through informed, compassionate, and effective policing.”

A WA Liberal Government will also invest $20m over four years to address the shortfall in refuge capacity and improve support services for women and children escaping FDV.

“This commitment is a crucial step towards ensuring every woman and child has access to a safe place to escape harm and rebuild their lives,” said Ms Mettam.

“We know the lack of women’s refuge capacity in Western Australia is a critical issue jeopardising the safety and well-being of women and children fleeing FDV.

“This is particularly acute in regional WA due to distance and isolation, and even in my own electorate shelters are regularly forced to turn women and children seeking support away.

“That is why a Government I lead will expand refuge capacity across the state, with a particular focus on high-needs areas like those regional and remote communities.”

Paul Mansfield, WA Liberal Candidate for Darling Range, welcomed the announcement.

“Family and domestic violence is a scourge on our society, and we need to be doing everything we can to keep women and children safe,” said Mr Mansfield.

“First responders do a tough job and can have such a huge impact on the outcome, so ensuring every single Police Officer has ongoing training about responding to family and domestic violence incidents is hugely important.

“Criminalising coercive control also sends a message about the need for whole-of-society change to stamp out family and domestic violence.

“This is all part of the WA Liberals’ commitment to keeping West Australians safe.”