Victorian woman Hannah McGuire, 23, had reportedly sought help from police two weeks before she was allegedly murdered by Lachlan Young, believed to be her former boyfriend.
Media has reported the pair had recently separated and an intervention order had been put in place, as she had concerns for her safety.
McGuire had approached authorities asking for protection on March 20, according to The Herald Sun. The help was reportedly approved 14 days later on April 3, less than 48 hours before McGuire was allegedly murdered.
Her body was found on April 5 in a burnt car in Scarsdale, just outside Ballarat. Following this discovery, 21-year-old Young was arrested by police and charged with McGuire’s murder.
According to 9News, Young was on bail for serious unrelated offences at the time of McGuire’s alleged murder. Young will remain in custody until he faces court in September. He and his father are also reportedly facing unrelated charges for assault and burglary.
Roughly a week ago, a snap rally was held in Ballarat to remember the lives of McGuire and two other women (Samantha Murphy and Rebecca Young) who lived in the area and were allegedly murdered at the hands of male violence this year.
Former Greens Senate candidate and Djab Wurrung woman Sissy Austin, who was also attacked in 2023 near Ballarat, organised the rally, which brought hundreds of people together to demand an end to violence against women.
“This is not new … I worked for the family violence sector for four years in Ballarat, and all you need to do is spend a day in the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court to see what women are going through in the town,” Austin told The Age.
“And that’s only a small proportion of the women applying for intervention orders … Ballarat has some of the highest numbers of children being removed by child protection because of family violence. The stats of children being removed are quite horrific.”
Austin noted that women’s services in the region “do a laudable job” but that demand for support is often overwhelming.
“Many women do not report violence against them because, in small towns, perpetrators, friends, families and people who work in women’s safety may be connected,” she said.
Ballarat community in mourning
Earlier this month, Young appeared before the Ballarat Magistrates Court for the alleged murder of McGuire, with family members reported to have been in court, heard crying as Young’s case was called.
Police prosecutor Steven Repac asked for 16 weeks to gather evidence before handing it over to the defence, however Young’s lawyer opposed this time frame.
Acting Sergeant Repac said there were multiple crime scenes to be analysed along with CCTV, DNA evidence and forensic analysis.
The McGuire family lawyer, Brooke Tamanika addressed the media afterwards asking for privacy for McGuire’s loved ones and to give them time to mourn.
“As you can imagine, this is a very devastating time for the family, for Hannah’s loved ones and for our community as a whole,” said Tamanika.
“The family have been assisting the police, however, I cannot comment on the status of the matter.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family by Clunes Cricket Club, who said: “Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold.”
“All proceeds will go towards funeral costs and other expenses the family may need during this tough time.”
McGuire was an education student and former teacher’s aid. It’s understood her family runs the town’s pub, The National Hotel, which posted on social media two weeks ago to announce its reopening amidst the tragedy.
“You weren’t just a star to us. You were our whole damn sky,” the post said, in reference to McGuire’s passing.
The total number of women killed in Australia this year has reached a chilling 24, according to Destroy the Joint statistics.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has said violence against women is “the number one law and order issue” in Australia.
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.
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