Why
Location: Hyde Park, Perth
On 4 March 2020 we will gather in Hyde Park to remember Hannah, Aaliyah, Laianah, and Trey, and call for change so that women and children do not keep living their lives in fear of being murdered by their partner and father.
This is a community event and all are welcome. Please be mindful that the subject matter may be upsetting, particularly to children.
On 19 February, after years of abuse and failed interventions, Rowan Baxter broke a violence restraining order and set on fire the car Hannah and their three children Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4, and Trey, 3 were in. He then killed himself, also preventing bystanders from saving the others. The three children died in the car and Hannah died later that day in hospital.
By all accounts Rowan had been abusive during and after their relationship with him. Hannah and her support network had done everything they could to keep her safe. And still he deliberately murdered them all, brutally.
Despite this how clear the situation was, the Queensland police asked that we keep an open mind and the media reported that 5 die in a tragedy, reporting on his sporting achievements.
All the red flags were there. We didn't prevent Hannah and her children being murdered.
All the evidence is there. We still see the abuse and murder being minimised and excused.