A First Nations woman allegedly murdered by her ex-partner south of Brisbane had contacted police seeking help for domestic violence issues just days before she was found dead.
Police found the woman unresponsive in a home in the early hours of Wednesday.
A 37-year-old man, believed the woman’s ex-partner, had contacted emergency services at about 12.30am to report the woman was unresponsive.
Emergency services performed CPR on the woman; however, at around 1am, the 27-year-old woman was declared deceased at the scene.
“Police received a phone call from a man reporting that an unresponsive female was at his address following an assault. Police arrived at that location within minutes,” Detective Inspector Galpin said.
Detective Inspector Galpin confirmed preliminary investigations indicate the woman died of asphyxiation.
The 37-year-old Slacks Creek man has been charged with one count each of murder (domestic violence offence) and contravention of a domestic violence order. This order had been issued by the court after the woman contacted police earlier this month.
Detective Inspector Galpin told the media the man and woman had been in a relationship “at one point” but that had ended. They did not live together.
“What I can tell you is that within the last 10 days police did have contact with this woman in relation to DFV-related issues and, as a result of that contact, police did initiate [civil] proceedings under the DFV Act,” he said, as reported by The Guardian.
Investigations are underway to identify why and how the woman ended up at her former partner’s home.
“Detectives continue to appeal to anyone with relevant information that may assist the investigation to come forward,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
The woman is the 45th Australian woman killed this year, according to Sherele Moody’s Australian Femicide Watch.
The Government is currently preparing to finalise its next five-year plan to address gender-based violence, with frontline services calling urgently for more funding.
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.
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.