Domestic violence in Australia is a story many prefer to be left untold.
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Whether it is the victim who has been silenced by their abuser, or the abuser who is so demonic they can make their victim flinch with just a cursory glance.
Or their family or friends who see the bruises or cuts but choose to believe the fable of falling down the stairs. Or the legal system that struggles so unproductively to protect the victims.
Why is this story so hidden?
As journalists we have the opportunity to tell this story in a way that can enlighten readers to something they may not have realised. Awareness is important, and it is the first step, but it is just one of many.
One in four women will suffer from some kind of domestic violence in their lifetime. One woman is killed on average every week across Australia by their partner.
The past 20 years in Tasmania, the state coroner has classed 28 homicides. Of those, 23 victims were in some sort of domestic relationship with their killer. Nine were female victims of their abusive male partners.
This series hopes to underscore change in Tasmanian legislation, promote agency for women needing help and reduce barriers for that help to come forth, and tell a story that needs to be told.
As part of this series you will hear from people at the coalface of domestic violence intervention, prevention and legislation in Tasmania.
You will read about the victims that tried to get away, but never really had a chance.
You will hear from a survivor, who through sheer will, fortune - and possibly luck - overcame the immense odds stacked against her to escape the clutches of a man who she is certain would have killed her.
One thing will become abundantly clear: the system is broken. Let's fix it.
The first barrier The Examiner is tackling is the fee associated with obtaining a private intervention order in Tasmania. It is $32.40, plus $15 for photocopying.
The first story in our series is exclusive to readers for the first 12 hours. We thank you for your ongoing support of our journalism so, through our stories, we can help improve the lives of those in our community.
Brinley Duggan and Melissa Mobbs | The Examiner journalists