An Aboriginal woman in Darwin was allegedly murdered by her partner nine hours after police were “too busy” to conduct a welfare check on her, according to a report.
The woman, 43, was found dead at her home in the suburb of Malak on August 21, while Territory Families had requested a welfare check for her nine hours earlier.
It’s been reported neighbours raised the alarm to police Tuesday night at around 8pm, after hearing yelling and fighting inside a Darwin townhouse.
“We called police because we could hear her screaming, but they didn’t come too quick,” one neighbour told AAP on Wednesday.
“If they think we stole something (police) are here like lightning, but when we say we (are) gonna die they don’t show up.”
The NT Police have allegedly said they were “too busy” to attend due to a number of higher priority incidents.
The woman’s 57-year-old partner Desmond Frankie Booth has been charged with her murder, as well as breaching a domestic violence order. A paper reported Booth had been barred from contacting the woman for two decades.
At an initial press conference, Detective Senior Sergeant Jon Beer said the man had been found by police “a short distance” from the alleged murder scene. Sergeant Beer also said “there was no indication” that a weapon was involved, adding that an autopsy will be conducted.
In this press conference, Sergeant Beer said as well that the police response time was quick.
There was no mention by Sergeant Beer of the referral by Territory Families in the initial press conference. However, a police spokesperson later revealed at least one report had been made the previous afternoon.
Questions are being raised as to why crucial information was withheld by police from the public around this incident.
The Northern Territory has the deadliest rates of domestic violence in Australia.
Domestic and Family Violence Minister Kate Worden said it was a tragedy that yet another woman has died in the Northern Territory.
“The police will go through their process, but when is this going to stop?” Worden said.
Booth appeared in the Darwin Local Court on Thursday and did not apply for bail.
The Australian has reported one police officer had contacted the paper arguing: “You don’t want to think modern Australia is racist, but to speak plainly, if this was a white woman on the east coast, or a white offender anywhere, those at the top would be held accountable.”
The alleged murder has occurred only a week after a Senate report was released into murdered and missing Aboriginal women and children.
The report included 10 recommendations for the government to consider, including a call for “a review of existing police practices in each jurisdiction”.
First Nations women are being murdered at up to 12 times the national average. In some regions, their deaths make up some of the highest homicide rates in the world.
Indigenous women are also eight times more likely to be killed from family, domestic and sexual violence than their non-Indigenous counterparts.
At least 315 First Nations women have either gone missing or been murdered or killed in suspicious circumstances since 2000, according to Four Corners.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.