More deaths, less outrage: are we becoming numb to the horrors of family violence?

A series of domestic and family violence incidents in New South Wales last week resulted in the deaths of three women. Australian Femicide Watch reports that 52 women have lost their lives to violence so far this year. While each death is a tragedy, there seems to be a growing numbness to the public response. In 2024, thousands marched in protests demanding more government action on gender-based violence, leading to urgent meetings and new measures, including the $925 million Leaving Violence Program.

However, the recent response to these deaths has been much quieter. Premier Chris Minns warned that Australia cannot become numb to the pain or violence being witnessed. The cycle of violence against women appears to be repeating itself, with each death potentially making it seem inevitable. While compassion fatigue is a concern, violence against women is not inevitable.

The rate of female intimate homicide has decreased in recent years, and women's 12-month victimisation rates for intimate partner violence have shown promising signs of reduction. Despite this progress, Australia remains far from ending violence against women and children. Addressing this issue requires sustained and persistent action from governments, communities, and individuals.