As the nation grapples with the scourge of domestic violence, survivors and advocates are baffled as to why many victims still end up alone in the court room.
Ms Fenner says the abuse was one trauma and the court process was another.
Like many victims of crime, Ms Fenner was called to give evidence and was cross-examined.
She had come to terms with the fact she would have to relive painful memories.
But she said she was not expecting — let alone offered any support through — what she described as a gruelling torrent of humiliation.
Ms Fenner’s close friend Kelly-Marie Daly has worked in the domestic violence support sector for years and said the case highlighted inadequacies within current support systems.
“The actual support these ladies need is not even being funded, it’s not on the agenda,” Ms Daly said.
ules Thompson said there was a frustrating lack of holistic support available — especially for criminal matters.
“[Support is] needed every day a week in the court system because there’s always criminal matters.”
Skip to content
I am now 94 and I feel like the victim(not a ‘survivor’ victim) To think I have been associated with this problem for fifty years and I read this ? When will it stop? I know it(male violence to women) is there all the time waiting for every opportunity to pounce. I correct the description because once a woman has been a victim generally that stays with her, as with a returned soldier! Very few escape undamaged! It is up to government but for some reason or other, perhaps votes, terms like ‘refuges’, ‘women’ ‘violence to women by males’ have become unpopular with male politicians…I suppose if they take the part of women they lose males votes? What else can explain lack of action in protecting women in safe, state funded, community based refuges …….no not the trade name ‘sheltas’ nor shelters say it as it is women need refuge!