Allison Baden-Clay’s story ‘is making a difference’

THE sister of Allison Baden-Clay has spoken of her goal to use the foundation in her name to empower women suffering from family and domestic violence, saying her sister would be proud of the work being done.

THE sister of Allison Baden-Clay has spoken of her goal to use the foundation in her name to empower women suffering from family and domestic violence.

Vanessa Fowler, who was recently nominated for a Pride of Australia medal for her tireless work campaigning on domestic violence, said Allison would be “very proud” of the work being achieved through the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation.

“She would be very proud because she is making a difference,” Ms Fowler told The Today Show.

“I know that stories that have come back to us at the foundation, that Allison’s story has made a difference in women’s lives on the ground level.

“The goal of our foundation is to empower women who find themselves in this same situation.

“They hear Allison’s story. They can say to themselves ‘That’s me. I need to do something about this’. And give them the courage to step up and speak out and walk away.”

Allison was murdered by her husband Gerard Baden-Clay in 2012.

Vanessa Fowler is the director of the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation. Picture: AAP/ Ric Frearson

Ms Fowler spoke of the need of DV Connect and for women to be able to use those resources anonymously to reach out to professionals to talk through issues without there being consequences.

“And I really think that within the community, we need to change our mindset,” she said.

“We need to know as a neighbour, don’t mind your own business — go next-door, have a chat across the street and just check on your neighbour.”

Vanessa Fowler nee Dickie and Allison Baden-Clay nee Dickie.

Earlier this year, Allison’s two eldest daughters — Hannah and Sarah — made their first public appearance to see a young ballerina awarded a scholarship in their mother’s name.

Ms Fowler said the girls were very proud of their mum, and of the foundation.

“Especially Hannah who is getting older and fingers crossed that she will certainly be an advocate and an ambassador for her in the not too distant future,” she said.