Warning: This post is about domestic violence and may be triggering for some readers.
At least 34 women this year have allegedly died in circumstances of family or intimate partner violence.
Domestic violence is the single greatest killer of women aged between 15 and 44.
On 26 June, an unnamed 36-year-old woman was found shot dead in Hermidale, NSW. Her partner, 61-year-old retired handyman Allan O’Connor, handed himself in to police on 28 June — and has since been charged with her murder and with the murder of another man, according to ABC News.
Fairfax Media reports Acting Superintendent Andrew Hurst said last week that while he couldn’t “speculate on motive… I can say that investigators believe the 61-year-old-man and the 36-year-old-woman were previously involved in a domestic relationship.”
The Daily Telegraph reports the victim was a single mother who had previously complained to friends about being in a “possessive relationship,” and that days before her death, the alleged victim told Mr O’Connor she wanted to end their relationship.
That “intense argument” took place outside the tiny town’s only shop.
This tragic death brings the total number of women killed in circumstances of alleged or apparent family or intimate partner violence in Australia to at least 34 this year (as investigations continue in a number of cases, it’s legally difficult to determine the exact figure.)
Domestic violence is the single greatest killer of women aged between 15 and 44, and has reached such epidemic proportions in Australia that domestic violence survivor Rosie Batty has referred to it as “family terrorism” in an attempt to draw government attention to the issue.
Regardless of class, age, location, race or religion — every woman is at risk.
How many women have to die before something changes?
The following women have also lost their lives in circumstances where they should have felt safe. Some of these matters are still before the courts – meaning their alleged murderers have not yet been convicted – while the details of relationships between some of the victims and alleged perpetrators remain unclear:
In late June 2015, a 61-year-old man was arrested following the deaths of three people in Hermidale, NSW. It is understood the arrested man and a female victim had previously been in a relationship.
In late June 2015, a 61-year-old man was arrested following the deaths of three people in Hermidale, NSW. It is understood the arrested man and a female victim had previously been in a relationship.
On June 23, an unnamed woman found dead at a house in Armadale and an unnamed man was reported to be in custody.
On June 23, an unnamed woman found dead at a house in Armadale and an unnamed man was reported to be in custody.
On June 19 a 39-year-old woman died from neck injuries at her home in Beaconsfield. Police investigations continue.
On June 19 a 39-year-old woman died from neck injuries at her home in Beaconsfield. Police investigations continue.
On June 8, a 23-year-old woman died of head injuries in Tennant Creek. Her alleged partner Ashley Lansen, 23, was charged with murder.
On June 8, a 23-year-old woman died of head injuries in Tennant Creek. Her alleged partner Ashley Lansen, 23, was charged with murder.
On June 3, 22-year-old Brittany Shanice Harvie was found dead in a car at Clayton South. Mataio Aleluia, 18, believed to be her partner, was charged with murder.
On June 3, 22-year-old Brittany Shanice Harvie was found dead in a car at Clayton South. Mataio Aleluia, 18, believed to be her partner, was charged with murder.
A woman was allegedly murdered in Yalata, South Australia.
A woman was allegedly murdered in Yalata, South Australia.
A 37-year-old woman was killed, allegedly by her estranged partner in Tasmania.
A 37-year-old woman was killed, allegedly by her estranged partner in Tasmania.
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On May 28, Lana Smith was found dead in the garden of a house in Woodville Gardens. Her daughter Raylene Smith, 40, was charged with murder.
The Rose-Marie Sheehy, 32, was found in an Adelaide car park store room. Jason Curtis, 30, of no fixed address was charged with murder. The relationship between the two remains unclear.
The body of Rose-Marie Sheehy, 32, was found in an Adelaide car park store room. Jason Curtis, 30, of no fixed address was charged with murder. There have been allegations Curtis and Ms Sheehy were in a relationship prior to her death.
A 51-year-old woman was killed by a relative in NT.
A 51-year-old woman was killed by a female relative in the Norther Territory.
The name of a woman murdered in Dallas has not been released. A 49-year-old man has been charged with her murder.
The name of a woman murdered in Dallas has not been released. A 49-year-old man has been charged with her murder.
Linda Locke, 51, died in an alleged domestic violence incident on Monday 27 April. Her de facto partner Jamie Walker, 46, has been charged.
Linda Locke, 51, died in an alleged domestic violence incident on Monday 27 April. Her de facto partner Jamie Walker, 46, has been charged.
On 25 April, an 18-year-old woman was killed in an alleged domestic violence incident in NSW. A man has been charged with murder.
On 25 April, an 18-year-old woman was killed in an alleged domestic violence incident in NSW. A man has been charged with murder.
Daniela D'Addario, whose boyfriend Josaia Vosikata has been charged with murder.
Daniela D'Addario, whose boyfriend Josaia Vosikata has been charged with murder.
Julie Hutchinson, whose husband Michael Hutchinson has been charged with murder.
Julie Hutchinson, whose husband Michael Hutchinson has been charged with murder.
Salwa Haydar. Her husband has been charged with her murder.
Salwa Haydar. Her husband has been charged with her murder.
Mai Mach.
Mai Mach. Mai's husband's former mistress has been charged with murder.
June Wallis. Her husband has been charged with her murder.
June Wallis. Her husband has been charged with her murder.
Sabah Al Mdwali.
Her husband has been charged with her murder.
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