Domestic violence to surge during NRL finals, Melbourne Cup and Christmas

Rosie Batty has said she is appalled by Australia’s “lack of action” on violence against women, as killings continue and could lead to Australia recording one of the highest femicide tolls in a decade.

EXCLUSIVE: Alicia Little was killed just three days after Christmas in 2017 – her partner Charles McKenzie Ross Evans ran her down with his car as she prepared to walk away from the relationship.

A victim of ongoing domestic violence, Alicia’s mum says she noticed a step-up in abuse from Evans in the last three months of her Alicia’s life.

The increased propensity for violence has become synonymous with this time of year.

Frontline workers say the last few months of each year are the most dangerous for women due to a toxic mixture of pent-up frustrations over AFL and NRL grand finals, anger at Melbourne Cup results, Christmas financial struggles and family pressures, increased consumption of alcohol due to summer heat and parents fighting over school holiday child access.

There are just three months left of 2019, but already 55 women have been lost to alleged acts of murder or manslaughter – 11 died in September.

If the killings continue at this rate, Australia will record one of the highest femicide tolls in a decade.

While most of this year’s murders and manslaughters of women are attributed to acts of domestic and family violence, a number of females have also been killed by strangers and associates.

OPINION: The epidemic we can no longer ignore

Alicia's mother Lee and Alicia's eldest child Ariki, 21. Picture: Mark Stewart

Alicia Little’s mum Lee said it was frustrating to know that the violent deaths of women were not waning, but that she also hoped others would see Alicia’s story as evidence that more needed to be done.

“He stopped Alicia from spending Christmas with us that year – it was the first time she didn’t see us on Christmas Day,” Mrs Little said.

“We were very worried about her because there was a build-up of abuse and violence.

“Alicia got through Christmas, but three days later she was done.

“Her bags were packed and she was leaving, when he killed her (in their Victorian home).

“This was a bad time of the year, absolutely.

“I think it is important for other parents to know this – they need to keep an eye on their daughters and their sons and look for the signs – please look for them.”

Evans was originally charged with murder but agreed to plead to a downgraded offence of dangerous driving causing death.

He will be eligible for parole after serving two years of a four-year sentence.

A photo of Alicia Little, taken in a hospital when Alicia was being treated for injuries allegedly inflicted by Charles McKenzie Ross Evans.

Rosie Batty is appalled by Australia’s “lack of action” on violence against women, saying if this many people were killed by terrorists the federal response would be swift.

“Why is that we do not prioritise this as a national emergency?” the former Australian of the Year asked.

“At the first perceived threat of terrorism, our government acts immediately to supply funding for policing, protection and other efforts and to change laws.

“Violence against women is terrorism - it is claiming more lives than any terrorist has ever claimed on our soil.

“I do not get the impression that this is a priority for the government – I just do not see any evidence.”

The rate of women being killed has increased this year from one death a week to 1.4 a week, meaning we are on the path to have one of the highest femicide tolls in a decade.

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Rosie Batty says the issue should be treated as a national emergency.

Nicole McMahon leads 1800 Respect, the national telephone support line for those in domestic and sexual violence crisis.

“Any death of anyone impacted by violence, is a national tragedy,” she said.

Ms McMahon said years of experience had shown the organisation that the next few months would be extremely dangerous.

Ms McMahon has rostered on more support workers to answer an huge influx of calls for help.

“Events like the Melbourne Cup, grand finals and Christmas and New Year create environments where violence occurs due to heightened emotions, close proximity of people and consumption of alcohol,” she said.

“We get a jump in calls in the days following these events because the survivors are often not in a position to phone straight away.

Women’s violence legal specialist Angela Lynch said she feared the number of female deaths due to violence would increase over the coming months.

“On the run down to Christmas there is a frantic nature of existence,” the Women’s Legal Service Queensland CEO said.

“During that time if you are in a family where there is stress you can see violent outbursts - alcohol consumption can make the conditions more dangerous.”

Meanwhile, Minister for Women Senator Payne said the Federal Government would spend $340m – budgeted over three to four years - on support, services and other programs designed to aid women and children in crisis and to change underlying attitudes that result in violence.

When asked to comment on the 55 women killed in 2019, Senator Payne said: “Australia has zero tolerance for violence against women and their children – every Australian must be able to live safe and free from violence.”

– NewsRegional

*For 24-hour domestic violence support call the national hotline 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Mensline on MensLine on 1800 600 636.

YEAR NUMBER OF WOMEN KILLED

YTD 2019 55

2018 79

2017 75

2016 74

2015 84

2014 80

2013 45

2012 49

2011 58

2010 57

Source: The RED HEART Campaign

WHERE THE WOMEN ARE FROM

NSW 22

VIC 14

QLD 9

WA 7

SA 2

NT 1

ACT 0

TAS 0

Source: The RED HEART Campaign

Originally published as Domestic violence to surge during NRL finals, Melbourne Cup and Christmas