Experts call for stronger domestic violence services in rural Australia after murder case

Daniel Billings was sentenced to 28 years after killing his ex-partner Molly Ticehurst in her Forbes home, a crime that exposed the lack of after-hours police presence in remote towns. Experts note that regional Australia experiences a disproportionately high rate of domestic and family violence, driven by isolation, control tactics and limited social networks. Health professionals, such as Kaara Ray Calma, report that victims often go unasked about abuse in clinical settings, reflecting insufficient training.

A recent report described the national response as fragmented, with support varying dramatically by postcode. Advocates like Chris Lacey and Professor Sarah Wendt call for preventative programs, community-based initiatives, and resources aimed at younger ages to break the cycle of violence.