After grieving for Hannah Clarke and kids the stand against domestic violence must continue

The brutal murders of Hannah Clarke and her three innocent children are incomprehensible. But the stalking, the fear, the desperation Hannah felt to keep her children and herself safe in the weeks and months before isn’t shocking to so many of us who have watched it first hand.

THE deaths of Hannah Clarke and her three innocent children are incomprehensible.

The manner in which they suffered at the hands of a violent, possessive man who took them from this world is almost unfathomable.

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So many are struggling to understand what surrounds this heinous act, stunned by the pattern of escalation that saw a man who falsely professed to love his family terrorise them in the months beforehand.

Hannah Clarke and three-year-old son, Trey

But the shocking thing too, is that the stalking, the fear, the desperation Hannah felt to keep her children and herself safe in the weeks and months before isn’t shocking to so many of us who have watched it first hand.

What is happening in our suburbs is shameful but we must not be ashamed to speak up about it.

So many of the acts of domestic violence perpetrated on Hannah Clarke (inset) and her children in the lead up to their horrific murders happened to one of my loved ones.

I’ve gasped at disgraceful acts of violence and cruelty: Being choked out, being locked inside the house, being attacked with gardening tools.

I’ve seen the lack of humanity in his eyes when he chased us in his car.

I’ve seen her bruises, I’ve felt her tears, read his hateful words.

I've seen him present himself as a model father, with the styled home and impressive engagement ring. I’ve listened and done my best to understand why it takes so long to leave.

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I’ve housed her, I’ve hidden her car so he couldn’t drive past and find her. I’ve given bus and lunch money and my own clothes so she could go to work after escaping with nothing but the car keys.

I’ve written the statutory declaration that helped get the domestic violence order that was breached repeatedly, with fines the only penalty.

A family friend in tears at the Camp Hill scene where Hannah Clarke and her three children were murdered by Rowan Baxter. Photographer: Liam Kidston

I’ve tried to disable an iPad’s location functions when that was used to track her after she left.

I’ve been to Magistrates Court, Family Court and wondered how those who make and enforce the law could let her down time and time again.

And I thank God, especially on weeks like this one, that she’s strong, and safe now.

This story is about brave Hannah Clarke, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey.

But it’s also a story of so many others.
Because while their story is shocking, it's not rare.

One woman a week is killed by her current or former partner. It’s a story about women, largely, fighting for themselves; mothers frightened for their children; frightened children.

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Hannah Clarke parents Lloyd and Suzanne and her brother Nat on A Current Affair

It’s a story about the parents who do everything to help their daughters, their grandchildren, sometimes finding that there are times when even everything isn’t enough.

It’s a story about sisters, brothers, friends, colleagues, aunts and uncles who are among us every day with that nagging sense of worry inside because they don’t know when their loved one will next be in danger.

The Palaszczuk Government should be congratulated for implementing all of the landmark Not Now, Not Ever report authored by Dame Quentin Bryce that brought about sweeping changes, including strangulation laws.

Last week it was announced child safety officers will be stationed at each of Queensland’s four Family Law Courts to help judges better deal with the risks of domestic violence when making custody decisions.

Big change coming to Family Court

But there is so much more to be done. And by us all.

Six years ago, the nation was shocked when Luke Batty, 11, was violently murdered by his father in front of horrified onlookers at a Melbourne cricket ground.

His mother Rosie’s extraordinary, thoughtful and public response drove politicians and everyday people to respond.

Now, in Queensland, we need to grieve after this incomprehensive mass murder.

But we can’t stop there.