The WA Centre for Rural Health invites you to attend the launch of the Stronger and Safer Communities and Families for the Pilbara project during the 16 Days in WA – Stopping Family Violence. The development of this primary prevention strategy is part of the broader Vital Change Programs, an outcome of the Pilbara Family and Domestic Violence Network, led by WACOSS and funded by BHP.

By attending, you will hear about the project and how the strategy plans to raise awareness and build community capacity to reduce family and domestic violence across the Pilbara. To set the scene, two professional speakers will present; Dr Carolyn Johnson and Prof Sandra Thompson. Following the presentations, a community consultation will take place. Community members and service providers are encouraged to contribute to the discussion to co-design a placed-based strategy.

Bio’s:

Dr Carolyn Johnson

Dr Carolyn Johnson has 40 years’ experience as a social worker delivering clinical service to clients, managing and supervising professional staff, teaching, researching, writing and advocating for social change. She co-authored the, “Columbus Program,” introducing differential case management for cases involving child abuse and FDV in the Family Court of Western Australia. Her research on familicide published in, “Come with Daddy: Child murder-suicide following family breakdown,” has made a major contribution to understanding this offence. Her subsequent research on the link between intimate partner homicide and childhood trauma, continues to inform her work.

Currently, in addition to working part time at WACRH, Dr Carolyn Johnson is involved in an interagency partnership in the Shire of Gingin, delivering a community awareness raising program, on the links between Family and Domestic Violence, Substance Misuse, Mental Health and the Intergenerational Transmission of Complex Trauma. She continues to contribute to social policy as a member of the State Ombudsman’s Advisory Panel on Domestic Homicide and Child Death.

Professor Sandra Thompson

Professor Sandra Thompson works towards better health outcomes for people in rural and remote communities. Professor Thompson is the Director of the WA Centre for Rural Health, Chair of Rural Health at UWA, a professor of rural, remote and regional health and a Public Health Physician. Challenging current healthcare delivery methods and improving the healthcare experiences of rural communities is a key focus of her research.

The focus of Professor Thompson's research looks at remote communities and the prevention and management of chronic disease and Aboriginal health. Professor Thompson builds partnerships and strong networks that strengthen the Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships in rural towns and assists in performing research. She is a member of the Community, Respect and Equality Strategy Reference Group in Geraldton.

Limited tickets available, please register to secure your place.

A light lunch will be provided.