Health NZ looking to avoid doctor's strike, heavy rain and wild winds in the North Island and signs of confidence returning to the property market. Video / NZ Herald
Her death has sparked outcry from domestic violence campaigners, urging systemic change and awareness.
A woman died from “catastrophic” injuries sustained while trying to flee an alleged domestic violence attack days before her application for an anti-violence order was to be heard.
Emergency services were called to the Sydney unit of Claire Austin early on Saturday morning after a concerned call from a neighbour who heard shouting.
The 38-year-old was found inside with a partially severed arm and was bleeding profusely from the “severe” injuries after crashing through a glass sliding door at the Randwick property.
Claire Austin, 38 (right) had been on life support after sustaining severe injuries in the alleged attack. Photo / Facebook
Paramedics rushed her to St Vincent’s Hospital in a critical condition.
The marketing executive, who was born in Britain but had lived in Australia for the past decade, spent three days on life support.
She died on Tuesday.
It can now be revealed an application for an apprehended violence order (AVO), submitted by police on Austin’s behalf, was due to be heard at Waverley Local Court tomorrow.
Loved ones rushed from the United Kingdom to Sydney after receiving a devastating call from doctors on Saturday. They arrived just hours before she died.
Austin’s death has sparked an emotional outpouring from domestic violence campaigners and one of the state’s top cops.
A man was taken from Austin’s Randwick home and is under police guard at a mental health facility. Photo / Nathan Smith
In an interview withthe Daily Telegraph, New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said the incident was “an absolute tragedy and the loss of another precious life”.
“People have to stop dying in situations of domestic violence.
“Whether it’s women or men, and most of the time it is women who die in [domestic violence] situations. It is tragic, and it has to end.”
Prominent domestic violence campaigner Michelle Faye, who is running for the Senate in Queensland in upcoming elections, said Austin’s death was “not only tragic, but also infuriating”.
“No woman runs through a glass door unless she believes what’s on the other side is safer than what she is running from.
“That’s the level of fear she was [allegedly] living with. It’s heartbreaking knowing that she’s not the only one. Women are living with this fear and risk every day.
“This must stop. It’s not good enough.”
Faye said instances of domestic violence continue to rise, but there had been “no significant change to our systems to mitigate the crisis”.
“These stories keep ending the same way, with a woman’s life cut short and no response from policymakers with solutions. They don’t even publicly acknowledge the deaths of these women. There is definitely a ‘don’t discuss domestic violence’ attitude in the political arena.
“I keep talking about awareness to instigate change, yet nothing ever changes. The people with the ability to make real change don’t seem to want to acknowledge the gravity of this situation we face with gender-based violence in Australia.”
Claire Austin had lived in Australia for about a decade after relocating from the UK. Photo / Facebook
Similarly, Kathy Kaplan, founder of the support service Impact for Women, shared her sympathies and frustration in a post on Facebook.
“May her dear soul rest in peace,” Kaplan said.
Austin’s death is the third alleged domestic violence-related fatality in 24 hours, she added.
“We’re halfway through our election campaign. Has anyone heard either [Australian Prime Minister] Anthony Albanese or [Liberal Party leader] Peter Dutton mention gendered violence or domestic violence as an issue?”
Ms Austin’s home remains an active crime scene. Photo / Nathan Smith
A NSW Police spokesperson said a 44-year-old man known to Austin was taken from the scene by detectives for questioning on Saturday but later released without charge.
