A desperate mum begged the police to save baby Rowan: it wasn't enough

COMMENT: "They were handed the chance act, at the crucial moment, on a silver platter, but they didn't - despite everything that's happened this year. Why?"

Let me say upfront that I am in general a fan of Aussie cops. 

I'm an ex-Adelaide woman, where Commissioner Grant Stephens has been highly respected for his leadership in general for years, and also for his active involvement in major issues such as road deaths and domestic violence. 

I'm also a former lawyer, and I understand that the police can only act within their powers.

But I also think that what happened this week to toddler Rowan who was allegedly murdered by his dad, and the police's decision to not adequately respond when his mum, Dr Sophie Roome, begged them to intervene, shows two things.

Firstly, that their powers need significant and immediate revision after our horror year of domestic fatalities.

And secondly, that they need better education about how quickly family-related violence can escalate; and that too many times, it will.

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Dr Sophie Roome and Rowan. Image: GoFundMe

RELATED: Man’s DV history before horrific murder-suicide

Dr Sophie Roome pleaded for help for Rowan

Rowan's dad, James Harrison, had an AVO against him; granted after Sophie left the relationship. And yet, he was still allowed visitation. And yet, when the police were informed that father and son had not returned at the agreed time, it took time for authorities to attend James' residence.

When they did, they declared it was a 'family matter' and refused to force entry. Harrison had rigged a gas system inside where a murder-suicide was possible. That means there could have been time where earlier intervention might have made a difference.

But they didn't go in when there was no response from inside. 

Despite the history. Despite what a woman and mum was telling them. Despite the horrifying reality of family violence Australia has witnessed this year alone.

How on earth was this not seen as grounds enough to act urgently in acknowledgement of an emergency situation? They didn't return to the property for hours, and reportedly after Sophie's mum contacted them.

Is this the 1950s where violence in the home was considered a 'family matter' and thus treated as a taboo?

Haven't the police individuals who were involved that day been paying attention? 

And, more importantly, haven't the people who empower and educate the police realise this is a crisis because women and children are dying at the hands of partners and former partners?

Dr Sophie Roome and Rowan. Image: GoFundMe

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Rowan didn't stand a chance

Ok, sure, there's been some improvements. The raids on DV offenders last week was a promising move. But we need more pre-emptive strikes as much as we need reactionary responses.

Albo, mate, the payment you've promised when women leave is important. But after a woman leaves, she's the most at risk, so we also need to increase awareness for her safety.

Which means it's not only women who need to be empowered at that time. The courts, the decision-makers for custodial orders, the authorities at the front-line, need to be empowered too.

Because sticking to the current rules is not working.

Dr Sophie Roome gave the cops a chance to intervene, to change the outcome, at the crucial moment. How did it still end in Rowan's little life being lost?

Like many parents today, I am furious.  I don't understand how overriding executive decisions weren't made on the day - my brain is bursting with that question.

But then again, I do know the answer to that.

Empower the women leaving. Empower the authorities and community around her.

And then darling little babes like Rowan might stand a chance.

Originally published as A desperate mum begged the police to save baby Rowan: it wasn't enough