Townsville region’s domestic violence crisis in focus after two tragic deaths

In the span of just a few weeks, two mothers in the Townsville region have died after alleged domestic violence-related attacks, a situation Detective Inspector Damien Smith has described as ‘traumatic and tragic’.

Detective Inspector Damien Smith. Picture: Evan Morgan

Within the span of just a few weeks, two mothers in the Townsville region have died after alleged domestic violence-related attacks.

It’s a situation that Detective Inspector Damien Smith describes as nothing short of devastating.

“The loss of any life in relation to domestic violence is traumatic and tragic,” he said.

“But the loss of two females from our community in such a short space of time makes it so much more so for our community.”

The first investigation involves the mother of three, Loyla Morgan, 39, who died in hospital two days after being allegedly attacked by her ex-partner Benjamin Matthew Kennedy, 36, on Palm Island on September 1.

He was charged with murder (domestic violence offence), and his matters are due to be heard again before the Townsville Magistrates Court this Tuesday.

A photo of the late Loyla Morgan used in her public funeral notice. Source: Townsville Funerals/Facebook

A photo of the late Angela Haynes used in her public funeral notice. Source: Townsville Cremations/Facebook

Just a few weeks later, police were investigating a separate tragic incident where mother of four Angela Haynes, 41, died in hospital three days after she was allegedly attacked by her partner, Jason Cord McNamara, 42, in Vincent on October 19.

He was charged with grievous bodily harm (domestic violence offence) and is due to return to court in December.

With both matters before the courts, Detective Inspector Smith could not comment on the details of the cases.

But speaking in general terms, he acknowledged there were indications that domestic violence-related homicides had increased over the recent years.

“Unfortunately, the sad fact is it has existed for a long time and was possibly not always recognised for what it was even a few years ago,” Det Insp Smith said.

He acknowledged that while anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, the data shows that a higher percentage of women are often most at risk of being victims of physical violence, coercive control and other forms of DV.

“Unfortunately, too often we come up with the situation when it is females that are losing their lives,” he said.

“A lot of them are mothers, and there is the flow on effect not only to their immediate family but to their children, as well as the trauma those children go through.

“It can be very challenging to talk to those young children, and a lot of the time, they can be quite important witnesses to assist police in trying to identify what has actually happened.”

It comes as the demand for the Townsville police’s Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit continues to soar, with police responding to at least 35-50 DV-related call-outs every day.

“We are just appealing for people that if they do see indicators of domestic violence in people they know, or even people they don’t know, please consider contacting Police Link, Triple-0 or Crimestoppers,” Det Insp Smith said.

“If you are a victim survivor and you do need help, there are options there. If you feel uncomfortable coming and talking to us, we understand that not everyone feels comfortable talking to the police. Please reach out to the DV support services that are available or talk to someone who can help you in that space.”

If you are in need of support, please contact one of the following services. In an emergency, call 000. You can also call NQDVRS Townsville on 4721 2888, Townsville Women’s Centre on 4775 7555, or DV Connect on 1800 811 811.

Originally published as Townsville region’s domestic violence crisis in focus after two tragic deaths