This story includes details of domestic violence which may be distressing for some readers.
19-year-old Arnima Hayat was found dead in a bathtub of acid on Sunday in her Western Sydney home. Meraj Zafar, who met and married Hayat just weeks before, has been charged with her murder.
Police were called to the apartment on Sunday afternoon in response to reports of concern for Arnima’s welfare.
Police found the teenager’s body in the bathroom with hazardous chemicals. Specialist Hazmat officers from Fire and Rescue then attended the scene. Zafar was taken into custody on Monday.
Her parents told Channel Seven she was in her second year of studying medicine and had aspirations to become a surgeon. They said they had lost contact with her after she moved in with Zafar six months ago.
“Everyone hoped she’d become a doctor,” Arnima’s father said. “She wanted to help people.”
According to researchers at Destroy the Joint, Arnima Hayat is the fourth woman to be killed by violence in 2022.
The federal government released its draft National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children in January, which is currently open for consultation until 25th February. The date for feedback was pushed back after it initially announced a review period of two weeks.
The initial tight deadline had caused backlash from experts, domestic violence groups, and victim-survivors.
In November, the federal government said it plans to invest $22.4 million over five years to establish a new domestic violence commission to oversee the implementation of the next national plan.
Labor has also promised to appoint a new commissioner for family and sexual violence if it’s elected, and has committed to fund 500 new community sector workers to help survivors of domestic violence. Half of these 500 new community sector workers will be located in rural and regional communities.
Labor has also said it will invest $100 million into crisis accommodation and will build 4,000 new homes for women and children fleeing violence.
In Australia, one woman is killed each week by a current or former partner on average.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au
In an emergency, call 000.
Support is available for those who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636.