On Wednesday morning, a 27-year-old woman named Gabriella Thompson was murdered.

According to friends, she was “quiet” and “shy”. A mother to a baby girl, Thompson is described as having a tough upbringing, but growing into a “kind” and “beautiful” young woman.

The night before, neighbours overheard arguing from the house in Glendale, west of Newcastle.

At approximately 10:30am the following morning, Thompson was allegedly stabbed repeatedly by the father of her child.

WATCH: Women and violence, the hidden numbers. Post continues after video…

Tafari Walton, 21, had only seven weeks prior been granted bail and released on parole. He had a history of mental illness and domestic abuse, and two years earlier had staged a tense siege involving a firearm against police outside his mother’s home.

The details of the attack on Thompson are too horrific to bear repeating here.

Emergency services arrived on the scene, and Thompson was transported to John Hunter Hospital. She died shortly after arrival.

The following day, Walton was shot dead by police after threatening them with a knife. A little girl will now grow up without a mother or a father.

Fiona McCormack, the CEO of Domestic Violence Victoria says at an individual level, we need “zero tolerance of violence against women”.We need to understand that these men are not monsters, but everyday people who live among us. Furthermore, we need to challenge “sexist or derogatory attitudes towards women,” because, as McCormack puts it, “violence is the ultimate expression of sexism”.

On a social level, we need to intervene earlier. McCormack says we need to empower women with the early warning signs, and interrupt acts of violence before they evolve.

As it stands, Australia has an outstanding national framework and national action plan. But, as McCormack says, “it’s only as effective to the extent to which it’s invested in”.

In 2018, the budget invested $18.2 million to frontline family violence services and to increasing national awareness – a figure that simply is not enough.

In the same year, they investment $1.2 billion into preventing terrorism – which is incredibly important, but offers an interesting contrast.

Change, we know, starts with the individual.

Stories like these aren’t ones we want to write – because they simply shouldn’t be happening. They’re horrific and distressing and are now woven into the fabric of everyday Australian life.

But these are the stories we will continue to publish, until one day, we don’t have to anymore.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. For more information about a service in your state or local area download the DAISY App in the App Store or Google Play.