Tabitha Acret, the mother of domestic violence victim Mackenzie Anderson, is fighting for justice and has launched an online petition calling for tougher sentencing for abusers.
Already at more than 36,000 signatures as of Monday, the petition is demanding urgent law reform, including a minimum sentence when an AVO is breached in conjunction with a violent assault or murder.
The petition also calls for minimum sentencing for domestic violence murders, as well as recognition of children who witness a parent’s murder as victims of child abuse — with offenders facing additional charges.
“When four men were killed by a king hit in Sydney, the Australian Government acted immediately, stepping in to strengthen sentencing laws and introduce the so-called ‘one punch’ legislation,” the petition reads.
“Yet in Australia, one woman is murdered every four days—most often by a partner or ex-partner—and the government has stood by. Families like mine are left devastated while offenders receive lenient sentences that do not reflect the gravity of their crimes.”
Acret’s 21-year-old daughter, Mackenzie Anderson, was murdered in 2022 by Tyrone Thompson, 25, while he was released on parole for a previous domestic violence assault against her. Thompson stabbed Anderson 78 times and was sentenced to 22 years and six months jail for her murder.
Last month, the Court of Criminal Appeal rejected a Crown argument that the sentence was manifestly inadequate.
Following the decision, Acret said justice for her daughter hasn’t been served, and she launched the petition to lobby for change for other families. Acret also said she plans to outline her concerns to NSW Premier Chris Minns this week.
Acret told News.com.au that “when a judge rules that 15 years’ non-parole is ‘adequate’ for the violent murder of a woman in front of her 23-month-old child, we have a serious problem in Australia”.
“When, at appeal, another judge upholds that decision- declaring it reflects ‘community standards’ and is the ‘norm’- the problem becomes even deeper.”
Advocates have long been speaking out that gender-based violence in Australia is at crisis-levels.
Research shows that around one in four men in Australia aged 18 to 45 say they have used physical and/or sexual violence against an intimate partner.
Two in 5 women (39 per cent) have experienced violence since the age of 15, with women who have experienced violence are more likely to experience multiple incidents of violence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience disproportionate levels of violence, as they are 31 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence–related assaults.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732.
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 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.
In an emergency, call 000.