Youth crime is a serious and growing issue in Western Australia, with many young offenders coming from backgrounds of trauma, abuse, and disadvantage. Substance abuse further fuels the cycle, disrupting education, damaging social skills, and increasing contact with the justice system. But it’s not just young offenders at risk—everyday young people are getting caught up in substance use, vaping addiction, screen addiction, online exploitation, gambling, and mental health struggles, all of which can lead to long-term consequences if not addressed early.

Prevention and early intervention is the key to stop this cycle. Every week in Australia, a woman dies at the hands of a family member or intimate partner, highlighting the growing vulnerability many women face. While some women rise to leadership and influence, far too many remain trapped in cycles of abuse, trauma, and hardship. These women often experience domestic violence, sexual abuse, homelessness, and financial instability, leaving them with few opportunities to escape their circumstances.

For many, this vulnerability pushes them into the criminal justice system—either as victims of crime or, driven by desperation, caught in a web of survival. The result is a dramatic rise in the number of women in prison, with Western Australia seeing a 43% increase in female incarceration since 2015.
These women don’t need punishment—they need support. It’s crucial that we act now to prevent further harm by offering early intervention, providing education, employment, housing, and life skills. By addressing the root causes of vulnerability, we can help women break free from these cycles and build safer, stronger communities for everyone.