REACH out for support, the heads of three central Victorian specialist agencies have urged after a Queensland mother and her three young children were horrifically killed.
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The deaths of Hannah Clarke, 31, and her children - Aaliyah Baxter, six, Laianah Baxter, four, and Trey Baxter, three - have heightened calls to act on the scourge that is family and domestic violence.
The children's father, who is Ms Clarke's estranged husband, is believed to have killed the family by setting them alight.
Queensland police are preparing a report for the coroner.
"This is a really significant and terrible event," Centre for Non-Violence chief executive Margaret Augerinos said.
She believed most people were feeling its effects, and said many were responding strongly.
Ms Augerinos encouraged those who had experienced, or were living with, family and domestic violence to seek specialist advice and support - especially those who were considering leaving a violent situation, to ensure they could do so as safely as possible.
She was hopeful the "absolute tragedy" that had occurred in Queensland had enhanced people's awareness of the risk women and children faced when leaving a violent situation.
Ms Augerinos was also hopeful it would prompt people to do more, and to insist the same from governments.
Annie North chief executive Julie Oberin urged people to look for the red flags in people's behaviour.
"People say you couldn't see it coming, but you can," Ms Oberin said.
She took heart at knowing there were a number of people who were calling out some of the unhelpful discourse surrounding the killing of Ms Clarke and her children.
Part of that included seeing "straight through" attempts to make excuses for the alleged murder.
Women's Health Loddon Mallee chief executive Tricia Currie reiterated the need for society as a whole to be fully committed to gender equity.
"If we work towards gender equity we know we'll be creating an environment where boys can be raised to be the respectful men and fathers we need them to be and girls can be raised to aspire to living a life that is safe and allows them to be strong," Ms Currie said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service online at www.1800respect.org.au
Other resources include:
- Lifeline - 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
- MensLine Australia - 1300 78 99 78
- Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
- Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467
In an emergency, call 000.