A Federal MP Has Given A Heartbreaking Speech About Her Friend’s Death At The Hands Of Her Partner
"Monique's death has shown me that this is a crime that can touch every single family."
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, or White Ribbon Day, and the steadily growing national conversation on violence against women over the last year has once again been brought into focus.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten addressed a White Ribbon Day breakfast in Canberra this morning, and hundreds of locals in the eastern Sydney suburb of Coogee turned out for a White Ribbon Day walk. Last night the ABC premiered Hitting Home, a two-part documentary aiming to answer the question “what is domestic violence?”, and earlier today released profiles telling the stories of women who have died this year at the hands of their partners or ex-partners.
And they’re off @nswpolice #andrewscipione leads 1000s marchers @WhiteRibbonAust #WhiteRibbonDay #domesticviolence pic.twitter.com/Z0ygWzD2Uz
— Rachel Pupazzoni (@RachelPupazzoni) November 24, 2015
Last night in the House of Representatives, federal Liberal MP for Corangamite Sarah Henderson made a plea for Australia to “break the cycle of violence” against women, telling the Parliament that a family friend, Monique Denahy, was murdered a few days ago by her partner in an apparent murder-suicide.
“Tonight I want to speak about Monique Denahy. She was 49, beautiful, vivacious, gentle and kind. She was always laughing, always positive. She grew up in a beautiful family in Geelong; our families were close, and Monique was and remained a very good friend to my sister Jodie.
“Three days ago Monique was murdered. She was murdered by her American partner in the US. It was a deliberate and calculated murder-suicide. Monique had decided to leave the relationship and return to Australia but she never made it home.
“This is a crime that always happens to someone else, but Monique’s death has shown me that this is a crime that can touch every single family.
“We have to break this cycle of violence, which in many cases is being fuelled by drugs, alcohol, rage, revenge, and perverse attitudes by some men who think it’s okay to hurt a woman. We all have a responsibility to educate young people. An Our Watch survey found that one in four young men believe controlling and violent behaviour is a sign of male strength.
“Monique, you were a beautiful and gentle soul. Rest in peace.”
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If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.