Dear Editor,
Three women were killed in separate domestic violence-related incidents across New South Wales within just 24 hours.
A 90-year-old grandmother, a 23-year-old woman and a 70-year-old woman.
It is difficult to comprehend, and even harder to accept that we have become so accustomed to hearing stories of women being killed, assaulted, threatened and terrorised in their own homes.
These are not simply statistics. They were mothers, daughters, grandmothers, partners, friends and members of their communities. Their families will now live with the consequences of violence that should never have happened.
The latest figures show the problem extends far beyond these tragic deaths.
In NSW during 2025, almost half of all recorded assault victims were involved in family and domestic violence-related incidents.
There were also 16,644 recorded sexual assault victims in the state, with the rate remaining at its highest level in the available time series.
We rightly talk about prevention, education, support services and holding perpetrators accountable.
But these conversations need to translate into action, particularly in regional communities where services and support can be harder to access.
We also need to recognise that family violence is not a private family matter. It is a community problem.
Neighbours, friends, workplaces, schools, sporting clubs and community organisations all have a role in recognising warning signs and supporting people experiencing violence.
Most importantly, we must stop treating violence against women as inevitable.
It isn’t.
Three women in 24 hours should be more than another tragic headline. It should be a reason for all of us to ask what more we can do – and then actually do it.
Judy Webb
Canowindra