Port Hedland to host domestic violence march as stats reveal Pilbara has second worst rates of DV in WA

In wake of a domestic violence crisis sweeping the country, Port Hedland residents will gather for the annual Hedland Says No to Family Violence march on Wednesday May 8. Hosted by the Hedland Family Violence Action Group, the event is set to take place at South Hedland Town Square, featuring a march, presentations, and activities. Mayor Peter Carter emphasised that the event not only condemns family violence but also cultivates community engagement and cohesion. “This is a unified stand against family violence,” he said. “The town is committed to supporting events that build a resilient, connected community with safety as our cornerstone. “Family and domestic violence impacts the whole of our community – it is up to all of us to address attitudes, encourage community leadership and demand an end to gender-based violence.” “Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including education, support services, and community involvement - events like this are crucial in preventing, addressing, and responding to family violence.” The Pilbara is home to the State’s second worst rate of domestic violence after the Kimberley. The region recorded just over five times the rate of family assaults than the metropolitan area in 2022-23 — 1919 per 100,000 people in the Pilbara compared to 368 per 100,000 in the metro area. Port Hedland recorded 30 family assaults in 2022-23 while Karratha recorded 39. In 2024, statistics show an Australian woman is killed due to gendered violence every four days. A recent System Reform Plan developed by the State Government’s Family and Domestic Violence Taskforce, also cited Aboriginal women are 32 times more likely to be hospitalised due to domestic violence than non-Aboriginal women. Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals a 13 per cent rise in family and domestic violence-related offences in Western Australia from 2022 to 2023.