Hannah Clarke’s family have asked for small steps towards DV reform

In a heart wrenching interview the family of murdered woman Hannah Clarke have asked for ‘small steps’ towards a better system for victims of domestic violence.

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The Clarke family have said the system is failing domestic violence victims, and have called for “small steps for Hannah” to improve support for women experiencing abuse.

The country was shocked after Rowan Baxter committed the unthinkable by burning his wife Hannah Clarke and three children Laianah, Aaliyah and Trey alive, killing himself and his entire family.

Now, Hannah’s family is shining a spotlight on domestic violence, saying their tragedy could have been prevented.

Hannah father, mother and brother. Picture: Channel 9.

Hannah Clarke’s parents Lloyd and Suzanne and her brother Nat held a footprint – the only part of her body that wasn’t burned by her abuser – when they spoke on Nine’s A Current Affair program last night.

“My sister was so badly burnt that the only thing they could do for a memorabilia of her was a footprint,” Hannah’s brother Nat said.

“The soles of her feet were the only part of her body that weren’t burnt,” he said.

“We want the symbol of her foot to somehow be a symbol of her and her legacy. We want to try and start something to help women who are in this situation who have suffered domestic abuse.”

Hannah was trying to leave her abusive husband husband before her tragic death.

Hannah’s father said he wanted “small steps for Hannah”.

“We know it’s not going to happen overnight,” Mr Clarke said.

“When someone breaches (a DVO) with modern technology, can’t they put a tracker on him or something like that so if he comes close … a red flag goes up. This could have been prevented.”

Hannah’s family said they want people to remember the way she lit up the room.

The Clarke family detailed the extend of Rowan’s abuse, including times he would kidnap the children, manipulate the family by driving a wedge between them, and pressure Hannah into sex to protect her children.

Through tears, Hannah’s mother clutched at a necklace with the three children’s names, which was recovered from her daughter’s body.

“They gave it to me in the hospital, it was black,” Mrs Clarke said.

“It’s kind of freaky but it’s special,” she said.