CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses domestic violence.
A young woman has died from critical injuries sustained after running through a glass door as police investigate whether it was an attempt to escape alleged domestic violence. According to Australian Femicide Watch, she is the third woman to be killed in the past 24 hours.
Claire Austin, 38, had been on life support at St Vincent’s Hospital for three days after she was discovered on Saturday with severe injuries at her home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. However, she succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday.
Austin was reportedly trying to flee the top floor unit by forcing herself through a glass sliding door. In the process, she sustained a severed artery in her arm, among other serious injuries, according to police.
A concerned neighbour at the Randwick Street complex phoned Triple Zero shortly after 7.30am on Saturday, alarmed by “a lot of banging and a loud row”.
A man, 44, was questioned by police at the scene. It’s claimed he told detectives the pair were having an argument when she “ran through a glass door” to get away, per the Daily Telegraph.
It’s understood he was taken to Maroubra police station to assist with inquiries before he was admitted to a mental health facility.
He has since been released although he is yet to give a formal statement to police. No charges have been laid.
An apprehended violence order (AVO) on behalf of Austin was due to be heard in Waverley Local Court on Wednesday, per the Sydney Morning Herald.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has also addressed the tragic death as he sent his thoughts and sympathies to her loved ones.
“I can just imagine how devastated they are today. It’s another example of somebody dying, allegedly at the hands of domestic violence,” Minns said.
“I want the public to be assured that there’s a task force that’s been set up by NSW Police. They’re taking it incredibly seriously and the focus will be justice for that woman and her family.”
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell described the death as an “absolute tragedy” and called for an end to the widespread issue of domestic violence in Australia.
“People have to stop dying in situations of domestic violence,” Thurtell told the Daily Telegraph.
“Whether it’s women or men, and most of the time it is women who die in DV situations, it is tragic and it has to end.”
Thurtell said Austin’s death is being treated as a criminal matter, with investigations underway.
Per Australian Femicide Watch, Austin’s death tragically marks the 19th Australian woman killed this year.
In more sobering news, it marks the third woman killed in Australia in the last 24 hours.
On Tuesday, the body of Queensland mother Louise Hunt was discovered in a horrific house fire, with Cameron Hunt since charged with domestic violence, murder and arson.
In Sydney, Kim Duncan, 65, was killed in a drive-by shooting at Ambarvale. Police believe multiple people got out of a dark sedan and sprayed the home with several gunshots.
The ongoing epidemic of domestic violence in Australia continues to claim lives at an alarming rate, and with 19 women already killed this year, it’s another crucial reminder for urgent action to address this crisis.
Lead image: Facebook
Help is available.
If you’re in distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online. If it’s an emergency, please call 000.
Under 25? You can reach the Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
The post Sydney Woman Dies After Running Through Glass Door To Escape Alleged Domestic Violence appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
