Australian Femicide Watch count reveals 67 women allegedly killed in 2022
One place in Australia holds the country’s record for the number of women allegedly killed in just 12 months. Use our special interactives to see how many deaths were in your area.
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Violence against women remains a significant issue in Australia with the number of alleged unlawful deaths spiking drastically over the past year.
At least 67 women’s lives were lost to alleged murder, manslaughter and other offences in the 12 months from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022.
Most of the deaths happened in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
This was an increase of 18 deaths from 2021 when 48 women were allegedly murdered or lost to manslaughter.
The rate of killings in 2022 means one women died, on average, every five and a half days.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE HOW MANY WOMEN WERE KILLED IN YOUR AREA
My research for Australian Femicide Watch shows men allegedly ended the lives of all but six victims.
The oldest woman allegedly killed in 2022 was 92-year-old Barbara Willshire. She was killed by her husband in Glynde, South Australia. He ended his own life.
The youngest alleged victim was an 18-year-old Queensland woman. Her former partner is charged over her death. Her body was found on the Sunshine Coast in October of 2022.
With 22 of the deaths, Queensland had the highest rates of alleged unlawful deaths than any other Australian jurisdiction.
NSW recorded 12 deaths, Victoria and Western Australia each had 10 deaths, the Northern Territory had six deaths, South Australia had five, the ACT had two and one Australian woman was killed overseas.
There were no recorded deaths in Tasmania.
December was the most dangerous time to be female in Australia during 2022, with 17 deaths recorded over the four weeks. August (eight deaths) and March (seven deaths) were the next worst months.
The data shows women were more likely to be allegedly killed by someone they knew – either a partner, former partner, family member or associate – than by a stranger.
More than 53 per cent of the deaths involved alleged domestic and family violence. A total of 27 women were allegedly killed by current or former partners and nine women were allegedly killed by other family members.
Associate violence (where the alleged victim knew the accused but was not related) accounted for 18 deaths.
A total of 50 cases remain before the courts and no one has been charged in 10 deaths.
Among the unlawful deaths in 2022, police laid 52 charges of murder and two of manslaughter.
There were six murder-suicides of adult females in 2022.
READ MORE: Four weeks of horror: 16 women killed across Australia
At least 32 of the women allegedly killed were Caucasian, there were 14 alleged victims from culturally diverse backgrounds and 10 alleged victims were Indigenous.
The background of some alleged victims has not been identified.
While the cause of death is unknown in 22 cases, the research shows sharp implement trauma (ie stabbing) was the most prominent form of alleged violence with 15 cases documented.
Blunt force trauma (bashing) was the second most common cause of death, with 12 cases documented.
Women were also allegedly killed as a result of shooting, fire, vehicle incidents and strangulation.
MURDER-SUICIDES IN 2022
● 55-year-old business leader Annemarie Papelard was shot to death by her partner Hans Anchelon, 57, at her home in Jarrahdale, Western Australia, in September. He ended his own life;
● Alena Kukla was killed by her partner near Alice Springs in July. He also murdered her baby boy. He ended his own life;
● Florrie (Kory) Reuben died in a house fire set by her former partner in August. He ended his own life;
● Sally Starling was murdered by her partner near Armadale in Western Australia in February. He ended his own life;
● Barbara Wiltshire was killed by her husband in Glynde, South Australia in August. He ended his own life; and
● Sonja Kovacevic was killed by her friend in Caloundra, Queensland, in March. He ended his own life.
Victims’ loved ones call for change
The loved ones of two victims have pleaded with Australians to make change so women can be safe.
Christoffel Sneijders said he did not want to see anyone else go through the pain and trauma his former wife Annemarie Papelard suffered.
He urged people who see those in domestic violence crisis to provide a lending hand.
“Let’s act when we see the writing on the wall; when we observe some red flags,” he said.
“Let’s really sit down and share what we observe, check if they really hear and process what we say and don’t give up when we listen to their reasons about why they can’t do it (leave) now, but maybe later or if they say the famous ‘he will change’.
“If you are in an abusive relationship, please reach out – you cannot imagine how much your friends and family are willing to help you.”
Mark Lockyer says violence should never be a way of life, like it was for violent thug Bernard John Alice who ended the lives of his niece Alena Kukla (AK) and her 14-week-old son Orlando.
READ MORE: Killer identified in murder of devoted mum and her tiny baby
AK was a proud Indigenous woman who had strong community connections to Eastern and Central Western Arranta in the Northern Territory.
“Our culture is the oldest living culture, yet I would like to know why Aboriginal women are 45 times more likely to be in a domestic violence relationship than a non-Indigenous woman?” Mark asked.
“Indigenous children who grow up in violent homes are also likely to enter into a domestic violence relationship or be the person committing the violence.
“A lot of women are talking up against domestic violence, but I believe men should be talking up as well.
“We need proper women’s shelters that are going to protect women and we need men’s shelters where violent men have a place to go and the woman does not have to leave her home.”
In the midst of a ‘national crisis’
Experts say violence against women has reached a “national crisis” and the women documented here are just the “tip of the iceberg”.
Australian police responding to more than 700 domestic and family violence calls daily and at least one in three women experience abuse.
“The number of women killed in 2022 is harrowing,” Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre director Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon said.
“The rate of women allegedly killed in 2022 clearly demonstrates that we are not making headway in addressing domestic violence.
“It is critical Commonwealth and state governments commit attention and funding commensurate with the gravity of the problem.
“How many women must die at the hands of their intimate partner to demonstrate that we need to up our ante across prevention, early intervention, response and recovery?”
OurWatch is the national bipartisan organisation focused on the primary prevention of violence against women and their children.
CEO Patty Kinnersly says there is still much work to do to before the killings end.
“Every woman whose life is impacted by violence is one too many,” she said.
“The tragic loss of life we continue to see is devastating.
“We know gender equality across every part of our community sets the context for violence to occur.”
READ MORE: ‘No justice for my sister’: Australia’s forgotten women and the killers set free
Ms Kinnersly urged all Australians to help change the violence narrative.
“It’s very easy for us as individuals to ask what the government is going to do or what the police are going to do, but everyone has a role to play,” she said.
“I would advise examining your views on gender equality and respect. Are you creating a safe and equal environment at home? Do your kids see healthy relationships? Are you using harmful language or sexist jokes?
“If we are going to create an Australia where everyone can thrive, we all need to ask ourselves what we can do to make a contribution?”.
National plan aims to turn the tide
Federal Prevention of Family Violence Assistant Minister Justine Elliot said the rise in suspected unlawful deaths in 2022 was concerning.
She said the newly devised National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032 would hopefully reverse the trend.
The plan, which relies on the support and involvement of every state and territory, is designed to end violence against women and children in one generation by getting the community to focus on perpetrator accountability while providing support for women in violence crisis.
“Men and boys play a crucial role in ending violence and engaging them is part of the solution to ending gender-based violence,” Ms Elliot said.
“It is imperative that we teach men and boys about respectful relationships, gender equality, and calling out sexist behaviours.”
Under the plan, the federal government:
● Committed $83.5 million for school-based consent and respectful relationships program;
● Ensured the Standing Council of Attorneys-General’s agreement on collective action to address family, domestic and sexual violence;
● Committed $1.7 billion in the 2022-23 federal budget to deliver the first steps of the National Plan;
● Prepared to rollout of 500 new frontline and community service workers across Australia;
● Ensured survivors have 10 days of paid family domestic violence leave;
● Committed to funding for crisis and transitional housing.
WHERE WOMEN WERE ALLEGEDLY KILLED IN 2022
NEW SOUTH WALES
January 30, 2022: The body of a 19-year-old woman was found in her home in North Parramatta, New South Wales. A man is charged with murder.
March 18, 2022: The body of a 60-year-old woman was found in her home in Greenacre, New South Wales. A man is charged with murder.
March 25, 2022: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly killed at her home in Mayfield, New South Wales. A man is charged with murder.
June 14, 2022: A 62-year-old woman was allegedly killed in Prairiewood, New South Wales. A man is charged with murder.
July 20, 2022: A 43-year-old woman was allegedly killed at her home in Dural, New South Wales. A man is charged with murder.
July 28, 2022: An 82-year-old woman was allegedly killed at her home in Tumbi Umbi, New South Wales. A man is charged with murder.
August 13, 2022: A 48-year-old woman and a 39-year-old woman were allegedly killed in Panania, New South Wales. No one is charged over their deaths.
October 6, 2022: A 74-year-old woman was allegedly killed in her home in Bronte, New South Wales. A man is charged with murder.
December 18, 2022: A 37-year-old woman was allegedly killed at a home in Albion Park Rail, New South Wales. A man is charged with murder.
December 18, 2022: A 31-year-old woman was allegedly killed in a home in Cranebrook, New South Wales. A man is charged with murder.
December 30, 2022: A 70-year-old woman was allegedly killed in her home in Greendale, New South Wales. A man is charged with murder.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
June 1, 2022: The body of a 43-year-old woman was found in bushland in Virginia, Northern Territory. A male is charged with hit and run and other offences. A female is charged with misconduct with a corpse and other offences.
July 17, 2022: 30-year-old Alena Kukla and her 14-week-old son Orlando were shot to death by her partner Bernard Alice at an outstation near Alice Springs, Northern Territory. The 40-year-old man also killed himself.
July 19, 2022: A 33-year-old woman was allegedly killed in Katherine, Northern Territory. A woman is charged with violent conduct causing death.
August 13, 2022: A 39-year-old woman and a 48-year-old woman were allegedly killed in Panania, New South Wales. No one is charged over their deaths.
November 10, 2022: A 39-year-old woman was allegedly killed in Leanyer, Northern Territory. A man is charged with murder.
December 20, 2022: A 28-year-old woman was allegedly killed in Darwin, Northern Territory. A woman is charged with murder.
QUEENSLAND
January 23, 2022: A 68-year-old woman and a 73-year-old man were allegedly killed in their home in Collingwood Park, Queensland. A man is charged with murder.
January 31, 2022: The body of a 61-year-old woman was found in her home in Crows Nest, Queensland. A man is charged with murder.
February 14, 2022: A 46-year-old woman was allegedly killed at Pelican Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast, Queensland. A man is charged with murder.
March 20, 2022: A 73-year-old woman was allegedly killed in her home in Molendinar, Queensland. A man is charged with murder.
March 21, 2022: 48-year-old Sonja Kovacevic was killed at her home in Caloundra West, Queensland. The male shooter ended his own life.
April 8, 2022: A 47-year-old woman was allegedly killed at a home in Manunda, Queensland. A man is charged with murder.
May 8, 2022: A 57-year-old woman was allegedly killed in her home in Caboolture, Queensland. Two males are charged with murder.
May 27, 2022: A 25-year-old woman was allegedly killed in Dicky Beach, Queensland. Two males are charged with murder.
July 4, 2022: A 69-year-old woman was allegedly killed near her home in Finch Hatton Gorge, Queensland. It is believed she was run over during an alleged car theft. No one has been charged.
August 4, 2022: A 59-year-old woman, her son and her husband were allegedly killed at their home in Bogie, Queensland. A man is charged with murder.
August 8, 2022: A 47-year-old woman and her son were allegedly killed at a home in Stretton, Queensland. A man is charged with murder.
August 9, 2022: 47-year-old Florrie (Kory) Reuben died in a fire at her house in Ayr, Queensland. Her 65-year-old partner Isei Navutovuto was hospitalised with injuries from the fire, which police say he deliberately lit. He died from the injuries.
August 13, 2022: A 44-year-old woman was allegedly killed in Bluewater, Queensland. A man is charged with murder.
August 21, 2022: A 71-year-old woman was allegedly killed at her home in Allenstown, Queensland. A man is charged with murder.
October 15, 2022: A 59-year-old woman died in suspicious circumstances at her home in Capalaba, Queensland. No one is charged over her death.
October 22, 2022: The body of an 18-year-old woman was found in Nambour, Queensland. She was allegedly killed at a location in Strathpine. A man is charged with murder.
December 7, 2022: The body of an unnamed woman was found buried and covered in clothing and bedding under a unit complex in Alderley, Queensland. No one is charged.
December 12, 2022: 29-year-old Queensland Police Service Constable Rachel McCrow, her colleague Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, and civilian Alan Dare were shot to death at a property in Wains Road, Wieambilla, Queensland. The killers – Nathaniel Train, Gareth Train and Stacey Mary Train – were killed by police shortly afterwards.
December 15, 2022: A 44-year-old woman was allegedly killed at a home in Mundingburra, Queensland. A man is charged with murder.
December 26, 2022: A 41-year-old woman was allegedly killed at her home in North Lakes, Queensland. Two males are charged with murder.
December 30, 2022: A 70-year-old woman, a 35-year-old woman and a 79-year-old man were allegedly killed in Bonogin, Queensland. A woman is charged with three counts of manslaughter and other offences.
December 30, 2022: A 35-year-old woman, a 70-year-old woman and a 79-year-old man were allegedly killed in Bonogin, Queensland. A woman is charged with three counts of manslaughter and other offences.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
January 13, 2022: A 45-year-old woman was allegedly killed in Kilburn, South Australia. A man is charged with murder.
March 12, 2022: A 25-year-old woman was allegedly killed at her home in Millicent, South Australia. A man is charged with murder.
April 1, 2022: The body of a 62-year-old woman was found at her home in Crafers West, South Australia. A man is charged with murder.
August 23, 2022: 92-year-old Barbara Willshire was killed by her husband Dennis Wilshire, 92, at their home in Glynde, South Australia. Wilshire then ended his own life.
September 6, 2022: A 51-year-old woman was allegedly killed at a home in Park Holme, South Australia. A man is charged with murder.
VICTORIA
January 13, 2022: A 39-year-old woman and her six-year-old daughter were stabbed to death in Mill Park, Victoria. Their partner and father has pleaded guilty to their murders. He is yet to be sentenced.
February 10, 2022: A 41-year-old woman was allegedly killed in her home in Springvale, Victoria. A man is charged with murder.
February 15, 2022: A 52-year-old woman died a week after she was allegedly assaulted in Hawthorn Road, Caulfield, Victoria. Two women are charged with recklessly causing injury.
March 18, 2022: A 36-year-old woman died in hospital after she was allegedly injured at her home in Albanvale, Victoria. A man is charged with murder.
April 30, 2022: A 35-year-old woman was allegedly killed in her home in Croydon North, Victoria. A man is charged with murder.
May 28, 2022: A 68-year-old woman was allegedly killed in her home in Darley, Victoria. A man is charged with murder.
November 30, 2022: A 51-year-old woman was allegedly killed at her home in Northcote, Victoria. A man is charged with murder.
December 26, 2022: A 31-year-old woman was allegedly killed in her home in Melbourne, Victoria. A man is charged with murder.
December 26, 2022: A 51-year-old woman was allegedly killed in an apartment in Docklands, Victoria. A man is charged with murder.
December 3, 2022: A 44-year-old woman was allegedly killed in her home in Sandhurst, Victoria. A man is charged with murder.
ACT
April 19, 2022: A 40-year-old woman was allegedly killed in Melba, Australian Capital Territory. A man is charged with murder.
September 9, 2022: a 36-year-old mother-of-one was allegedly killed at her home in Kanangra Court, Reid, Australian Capital Territory. A man is charged with murder.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
February 28, 2022: 75-year-old retired business owner Sally Starling was shot to death by her husband Steve Sterling, 74, at her home in Darling Downs, Western Australia. After killing Sally, Sterling ended his own life.
March 23, 2022: A 26-year-old woman died in hospital after she was allegedly stabbed at her home in Nollamara, Western Australia. A man is charged with murder.
September 23, 2022: A 40-year-old woman was allegedly killed in Jarrahdale, Western Australia. Two males and a female are charged with murder.
September 29, 2022: 55-year-old business leader Annemarie Papelard was shot to death by her partner Hans Anchelon, 57, at her home in Jarrahdale, Western Australia. Anchelon also ended his own life.
November 28, 2022: A 70-year-old woman was allegedly killed in Albany, Western Australia. A man is charged with murder.
December 15, 2022: A 24-year-old woman died after an alleged assault in Perth, Western Australia. A male is charged with unlawful act or omission with intent to harm.
December 2, 2022: A 30-year-old woman and her unborn child died three days after an alleged attack in Karawara, Western Australia. A man is charged with murder.
December 4, 2022: The body of a 25-year-old woman was found in South Fremantle, Western Australia. A man is charged with murder.
December 5, 2022: A 51-year-old was allegedly killed in a home in Landsdale, Western Australia. A man is charged with murder.
OVERSEAS
June 14, 2022: An Australian woman was allegedly killed in Sargodha, Pakistan. A man is charged with murder.
News Corp’s Sherele Moody has multiple journalism excellence awards for her work highlighting violence in Australia. Sherele is also an Our Watch fellow, the founder of Australian Femicide Watch, The RED HEART Campaign and the creator of the Australian Femicide & Child Death Map and All That Remains: The Memorial to Women and Children Lost to Violence.
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