The state government’s 16 days to raise awareness about violence against women campaign will see the Koombana Footbridge lit orange.
The 16 Days of Activism begins on 25 November on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on December 10 International Human Rights Day, with the two dates highlighting violence against women is a human rights abuse.
South West Refuge chief executive Michelle Bickers said the campaign helped to bring community focus to the seriousness of family and domestic violence.
“By making it a longer campaign aligned with other key days, it will result in more people being aware,” she said.
“Violence is not isolated and is a whole of community issue which is not just occurring on one day.
“I think this is a truly wonderful commitment by the City about bringing the awareness of family and domestic violence to the community in a very visible way.”
“It will have people asking questions and discussing the reason, which will further raise this awareness and hopefully change the conversation about family and domestic violence.
Ms Bickers said changing language when talking to friends, family and within the community about family and domestic violence was key to highlighting the issue further.
“Believe a person when they say they have experienced violence, call people on inappropriate behaviour and comments, and be an active bystander,” she said.
Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk said violence against anyone was unacceptable
“However, it is a shocking fact that most women who are murdered are killed by someone they know, and most women who experience violence do so at the hands of a current or former partner,” she said.
“We all have a role to play in changing the conversation that allows violence against women to go unchallenged.
“It can be as simple as calling out aggressive or demeaning behaviour; understanding where to go to get support for someone experiencing violence; or starting a conversation about respect with the young people in your life.
“Together we can stop violence against women.”
