Five women assaulted in five days as the Kimberley’s cycle of violence continues

Authorities say they are deeply concerned after five women were seriously injured in domestic violence incidents in Western Australia’s north last week.

The incidents began on February 7, when a woman was assaulted by her aunt. Not even 24 hours later, a separate woman was also assaulted by her uncle.

Two women were also stabbed in separate incidents, and a woman was run over by a man believed to be her partner in a car on Thursday, in Derby’s town centre.

The incidents mark a spike in domestic violence in the region, which often happens during the wet season.

Crime statistics also released on Monday show Derby experienced a total of 753 family violence offences last year, which is about 233 offences per 1000 people.

This is compared with the City of Perth, which is about 12.5 offences per 1000 people.

Anglicare WA provides family and domestic violence services in the Kimberley and said it was critical the situation was addressed.

“Anglicare sees firsthand the impact these incidents have on individuals, children, extended family and the whole community,” a spokesperson said.

“Anglicare WA is deeply concerned by the levels of violence that have recently occurred in the Kimberley.

“Violence is never acceptable, and it is critical that people know support is available, and we urge anyone at risk to reach out for support.”

WA Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence Jessica Stojkovski said it was crucial Derby locals knew support was available.

“It is distressing to hear about reports of family and domestic violence incidents,” she said.

“Family and domestic violence has a profound impact on communities and culturally led and community-driven responses are critical to support healing and safety.”

She said more than $700 million has been invested in addressing domestic violence in WA since 2017, with $6 million dollars going to the west Kimberley alone in the current financial year.

“This includes primary prevention, advocacy and support services, mobile outreach services, perpetrator programs, two refuges and one safe house,” Stojkovski said.

While frontline services are consistently working across the region to prevent and address domestic violence, the Aboriginal Family Legal Services and Kimberley Community Legal Services said in a joint statement the most recent incidents were illustrative of a bigger issue.

“[Both organisations] are deeply concerned about the growing number of family and domestic violence matters in Derby and across the Kimberley that are not resulting in successful prosecutions,” the statement said.

Both organisations highlighted even after incidents of domestic violence, survivors were technically still at risk due to a court system that wasn’t fit for purpose.

“In regional areas like the Kimberley, limited service capacity, cultural and community pressures, coercive control, and safety concerns can prevent victim survivors from attending court, leading to cases collapsing and people remaining at risk,” the statement said.

Kimberley Community Legal Services chief executive Matt Panayi said his organisation had experienced firsthand how difficult it could be for victims to get out of dangerous situations.

“In one matter, a woman who had fled a violent partner was not notified by police that charges had been laid, a trial date had been set, or that the matter had later been postponed,” Mr Panayi said.

“Without KCLS intervening to obtain basic information, engage victim support services to arrange special witness protections, and ensure she could give evidence safely by video link, the prosecution was at serious risk of collapsing.”

Mr Panayi said it was all too common in the Kimberley, and it was leaving victims exposed.

“This experience is not unique and reflects a wider pattern where victim survivors are being left without coordinated support, communication, or advocacy at critical stages of the justice process,” he said.

Aboriginal Family Legal Services chief executive Corina Martin said the recent violence in Derby highlighted the cycle many people had found themselves in.

“Community led, culturally safe support is essential to help victim survivors stay safe and stay engaged in the justice process,” she said.

National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114.