Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk has met with acclaimed Western Australian singer-songwriter Stella Donnelly at Freo.Social to speak out against sexual discrimination and violence at live music venues.
According to a 2017 study by advocacy group Safer Venues WA, 67.5 per cent of those surveyed had experienced harassment in a WA live music or entertainment venue. More than 80 per cent of those incidents were reported by women.
Ms McGurk said the statistics identified a need for a change in culture at Western Australian venues to ensure women are respected and can feel safe when they are out socialising.
Stella Donnelly recently claimed three titles at the West Australian Music Awards, including the inaugural Artist of the Year prize, and was a nominee at this week’s ARIA Awards in the Breakthrough Artist category for her acclaimed album ‘Beware Of The Dogs’.
The 27-year-old musician’s lyrics examine gender stereotypes and social taboos, with songs such as ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ and ‘Old Man’ tackling the issue of misogyny head-on.
Ms Donnelly featured in the official 16 Days in WA video and has thrown her support behind the campaign’s message to all Western Australians that violence against women is never acceptable.
Further information and 16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women resources can be found at
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk:
“It’s unacceptable that more than 65 per cent of Western Australians surveyed by Safer Venues WA have reported experiencing harassment when out at music or entertainment venues.
“Women have every right to attend live music and entertainment venues and expect to feel safe and not be harassed.
“It is my belief that young people have an opportunity to lead generational change and shift the conversation that allows gender-based violence to go unchallenged.
“That is why I support the work of Safer Venues WA in advocating for safer music and entertainment spaces, and applaud venues like Freo.Social that set a positive example by prioritising the safety and wellbeing of patrons.”
Minister’s office – 6552 6600
