'Full of despair': Rosie Batty calls for more leadership on family violence
Former Australian of the Year Rosie Batty is "overwhelmed" and "full of despair" at the deaths of Hannah Clarke and her three young children, which she says should also "give pause" to all politicians to think about their leadership on family violence.
In a statement on Friday, Ms Batty said violence against women and children "is the most pressing issue of terrorism our society faces".
Former Australian of the Year Rosie Batty says she is "full of despair" at the deaths of Hannah Clarke and her three young children. Credit:Eddie Jim
"At least one woman each week is murdered," the anti-violence campaigner said.
"It is too painful and confronting for us to even face and acknowledge how many are children are murdered by an abusive parent, but we do know that at least one in four children is affected by violence in their home and the trauma they experience will impact their lives forever".
In 2014, Ms Batty's 11-year-old son, Luke, was murdered by his father after cricket training.
Earlier this week, Ms Clarke and her three children, Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4 and Trey, 3 were murdered by her estranged husband in Brisbane, prompting an outpouring of community frustration and grief.
"This unspeakable act of violence should give pause for all our elected leaders to think deeply about their leadership on this epidemic," Ms Batty said, adding she was "deeply affected" by the event.
"This horrific violence is beyond our imagination, comprehension and understanding. How could this happen? And yet it does. And it keeps on happening."
In her statement, the 2015 Australian of the Year said the the family law court system was a "critical challenge" to be addressed.
"The decisions that are made through this system impact on the wellbeing of children dramatically and have the potential of placing children at further risk of harm or enabling them to reach their potential without fear and trauma impacting their development."
She also reiterated her staunch criticism of a current parliamentary inquiry into the family law system, deputy-chaired by One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson.
Senator Hanson, who had long pushed for the inquiry, has previously said women make up claims of of domestic violence in order to win custody of their children. The comments were subsequently described as "appalling" and "not true" by the first-ever chief justice of the Family Court.
Ms Batty and women's legal services also say the parliamentary investigation is delaying safety reforms that should be implemented immediately.
"The current family law inquiry has the potential to weaken existing safety protections in the system, when it is required to do significantly more."
The federal government recently committed $340 million over three years to implement a fourth "action plan" to address violence against women and their children.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the deaths of Ms Clarke and her children "grieves our hearts terribly".
"I am just so saddened by these terrible events," he told reporters.
Social Services Minister Anne Ruston announced $2.4 million towards men's behaviour change programs on Friday as part of the national action plan.
"Violence against women and children is abhorrent. It is as simple as that and we must never make excuses for these sorts of behaviours," Senator Ruston said.
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Support is also available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636