More than $72 million will be poured into initiatives across the state to prevent family and domestic violence as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence begins.

$22.6 dollars is earmarked for 16 new units at the Stirling Women’s Refuge, while a two-year public education campaign will attempt to challenge “outdated and dangerous views.”

The news comes as a particularly bitter battle between Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas and Premier Roger Cook over the future of a city women’s refuge heats up.

6PR Mornings host described Zempilas and Cook’s dispute over funding for the refuge as “ugly politics”.

Press PLAY to hear more on the 16 Days, as well as the “ugly” political stoush