It was was a senseless act of violence that left a nation reeling.
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Last week young Brisbane mum Hannah Baxter and her three little children Laianah, Aaliyah and Trey were burnt to death in their car by Ms Baxter's estranged husband and the children's father.
The impact of the horrific murders has been felt far beyond Brisbane.
CEO of Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services in Port Macquarie Kelly Lamb said the impact of the murders were being felt locally too.
"The reality is this tragedy could happen anywhere," Mrs Lamb said.
"Everyday our team of domestic violence specialists are working around the clock with other services to respond to threats to the safety of local women and children."
Liberty has seen referrals increase by almost 30 per cent over the past year.
"The whole sector needs more funding to ensure women and children are getting the support they need while also investing resources into men's behaviour change programs and primary prevention activities to stop the violence," Mrs Lamb said.
In an interview with A Current Affair Ms Baxter's family shared the psychological abuse inflicted on the young mum.
"Not all domestic abuse is physical. Mental is probably one of the hardest things to pick up on," Ms Baxter's brother Nathaniel said.
Mrs Lamb said it was important to remind the community domestic violence can take many forms not just physical abuse, but also psychological, verbal, emotional, social and financial abuse.
"Psychological abuse is where the abuser creates fear in order to control," Mrs Lamb said.
"This might include driving dangerously, possessing weapons or destroying property or possessions. It can also include making threats about the custody of children or saying that the victim won't be helped or believed by the police and the courts."
Despite Ms Baxter having a domestic violence protection order against her husband it didn't prevent the tragedy.
Baxter allegedly breached the DVO and was set to appear in court in March.
Mrs Lamb said responding to domestic violence requires an integrated approach.
"For domestic violence orders to be effective, we need to see breaches of those order being taken more seriously by police and the judicial system so that men who fail to comply with the restrictions placed upon them are held accountable for their choices," Mrs Lamb said.
If you need support call Liberty on 6583 2155 or 1800RESPECT. For information, support or to make a donation visit www.libertyservices.org.au
The latest federal government report into domestic violence reveals one woman was killed every nine days by a partner between 2014 and 2016.
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- beyondblue 1300 22 4636
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