An all too common story

Another woman was allegedly murdered by her partner (link). This all too common headline should give us pause to reflect upon why, in 2024, violence against women remains so prevalent that many of us have become immune to its horror. While we can focus on the highest risk—lethality we should never forget the carnage for those who endure ongoing harm. This harm creates lifelong scars.

This case is particularly poignant because this week, I am working in Darwin with a colleague, Rodney Vlais. We are supporting Top End Health to explore ways to respond to users of domestic, family, and sexualized violence (DFSV) that present in acute health settings as well as at alcohol and drug agencies. Since 2000, eighty-one women have been killed in the Northern Territory by their partners. Of these women, 93% were Aboriginal.

Like many complex issues, such as DFSV, this is not a new problem. My life’s work has been about shifting the gaze onto those who harm. Locking someone up is a short-term solution. While it takes the person out of circulation for a time, we know it doesn’t deter future behaviour. Our real challenge is to develop pathways away from violence. This requires identification and assessment of risk in users of violence and finding ways to engage in conversations around family safety and well-being. Knee-jerk criminal justice responses tend to kick the issue down the road. In situations of DFSV, this often shifts the behaviour to the next relationship. We need to find more effective ways to engage users of violence in a different way of being. That starts with us and how we engage in tough conversations.

It is crucial to acknowledge that violence is a learned behaviour and, as such, it can be unlearned. This requires comprehensive approaches that address the root causes of DFSV, including societal norms, mental health issues, substance abuse, and trauma. It involves working with users of DFSV to understand their actions and to develop empathy and accountability. This is not a quick fix; it requires ongoing support, resources, and a commitment to change at both the individual and community levels.

Moreover, we must continue to support and empower survivors of violence, providing them with the resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. This includes access to safe housing, counselling, legal assistance, and financial support. By addressing the needs of those harmed by DFSV and users of DFSV, we can work towards breaking the cycle of family harm and creating safer communities for everyone.

In conclusion, the tragic loss of another woman’s life should remind us of the urgent need to address domestic, family, and sexualized violence. It calls us to reflect on our responses, challenge our assumptions, and commit to long-term strategies that promote safety, healing, and accountability. We hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by DFSV and those who engage in DFSV only through collective effort and unwavering dedication.

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