A 47-year-old woman has reportedly become the 100th woman to die from alleged violence in Australia this year, following her tragic death in hospital after an alleged assault.
This devastating milestone was reached on Monday, December 23, when the Currimundi woman passed away at Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
A Mother, a Daughter, and a Senseless Tragedy
The woman had been taken to the hospital for treatment after sustaining non-life-threatening injuries the day prior. What’s even more heart-wrenching is that her 15-year-old daughter was at home when the alleged assault occurred. Sherele Moody, a journalist and founder of The RED HEART campaign as well as Australian Femicide Watch, shared her outrage on Instagram, stating, “To know her child was present when he murdered her – I have no f***ing words. This epidemic of violence against women is not ending, it’s not decreasing, it’s getting worse.”
A National Crisis that Demands Action
Moody’s sentiment is echoed by many who are fed up with the lack of progress in combating gendered violence. Another Instagram page, mums4refugees, shared the ‘Killed Women Count’ with a fresh call for the government to take concrete steps to end violence against women “in any form”. The post read, “Today we mourn a devastating milestone. In 2024 alone, 100 women in Australia have been killed, their lives stolen by violence. This is not just a number. Each one of these women had a name, a story, a family, dreams, and a right to live safely.”
Systemic Failure and Societal Norms
The post went on to highlight the systemic failure to protect women, to hold perpetrators accountable, and to address the deep-rooted societal norms that allow this violence to persist. It’s a call to action, demanding better laws, stronger protections, more funding for prevention and survivor support, and a culture that no longer tolerates gendered violence in any form.
Government Promises and Actions
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared violence against women a “national crisis” in Australia, unveiling additional measures to address the issue. The government revealed it was permanently establishing the Leaving Violence Program through a $925.2 million five-year investment, enabling those escaping violence to receive financial support, safety assessments, and referrals to support pathways. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of these measures and whether they are enough to tackle the scale of the problem.
A Royal Commission or a National Plan?
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton backed calls for a royal commission into domestic violence, but Labor pushed back, suggesting it was the time to support a “national plan” instead. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the status quo is unacceptable, and something needs to change.
The Bigger Picture
The death of the 100th woman this year is a grim reminder that gendered violence is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the lives lost, the families shattered, and the communities affected. It’s about the need for a fundamental shift in our society, one that values and respects women’s lives. As we mourn the loss of yet another life, we must also demand action, accountability, and change.