Daughter who witnessed stabbing murder advocating for changes to triple-0 system to protect victims

A daughter who witnessed her mum’s murder will meet with police minister to discuss changes to triple-0. Here’s what she says has to change.

Romany Wake 21 daughter of Rachel Wake who was murdered on Christmas Day 2021. No More: National Rally Against Violence in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Tasmania needs better responses to 000 and domestic violence calls, according to a young Hobart woman who has become a prominent family violence advocate after she witnessed the stabbing murder of her mother on Christmas Day in 2021 and received “minimal” support from the system afterwards.

Daughter of murdered midwife Rachel Wake, Romany Wake, will meet with police minister Felix Ellis on Tuesday to discuss changes to the 000 system which she says is leaving people in life threatening situations.

“I am very happy to be having this meeting as it means some change is starting to be made in one of the systems that lets domestic and family violence victims and survivors down,” Ms Wake said.

Ms Wake has used her online platform, named after her late mum, to collect anonymous stories of others that, like her, were “let down” by the system that was supposed to protect them.

“By using Rachels’ Voice I have collected a range of anonymous stories that tell how people have been let down by the system instead of helping them” she said.

Romany Wake 21 daughter of Rachel Wake who was murdered on Christmas Day 2021. No More: National Rally Against Violence in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

She said the stories, along with her own personal experience, have driven her motivation to make some change.

“So many people have been left in life threatening situations due to not being believed,” she said.

She said she would also advocate for a more accessible way of contacting 000 for people who are in situations where it is unsafe to speak on the phone.

“Many domestic and family violence victims are unable to speak freely on the phone to get help,” she said.

The 22-year old has already made representations to Justice minister Guy Barnett about her experience and changes to the system she hopes to see.

Mr Barnet thanked Romany for her bravery and advocacy and said it was a productive and fulfilling meeting and that he had “taken on board her feedback” and raised it with other members of the government and his department.

“They are legitimate and valid concerns and we need to look at the system and how it can be improved to giver her confidence, and others confidence, that they should be and will remain safe,” Mr Barnett said.

He said the government was doing “everything it could” to make Tasmania a safer place including committing to all 191 recommendations of the commission of inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings

Ms Wake said she is hoping the police minister will take a leaf out of other states books, which she said have more services that are readily accessible for those fleeing domestic violence, and can be used through the police service.

“[Other] states also have higher levels of support for child victims of domestic violence, but in Tasmania it is minimal.

“I know that first hand- as a young person I received little support and guidance after my Mum was murdered, especially the response on the day and how I was treated,” she said.

Mr Ellis thanked Romany for her continued advocacy, and said he was looking forward to the meeting.

Darren Mark Wake pleaded guilty to murdering Rachel Wake and was ordered to serve at least 17 years in jail by Justice Helen Wood earlier this year.

Originally published as Daughter who witnessed stabbing murder advocating for changes to triple-0 system to protect victims