Queensland's Police Commissioner has apologised for comments made by a senior officer labelled"victim-blaming" by domestic and family violence survivor advocates, after it was confirmed a Brisbane mother and her three kids Hannah Clarke, 31, who was previously referred to as Hannah Baxter by police, and her children - Aaliyah, six, Laianah, four and Trey Baxter, three - died after they were doused in petrol and set alight in Camp Hill, in Brisbane's east, on Wednesday morning.
"What I was trying to illustrate by my comments was that you do see, in public commentary and in general responses in the community that people will make those allegations," he said. Speaking to ABC Radio on Friday morning, Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the Inspector was"gutted" about the way he phrased his statement and said she was"sincerely sorry to the community and victims for the way it was put"."I apologise for what was said and how it was said – the phraseology was completely wrong and the words and the way it was said should not have been used," she said.
"No one is 'driven' to murder no matter the circumstances or situation that they find themselves in," she said.
I don’t care much for his choice of words. But I do care a lot for the good work he’s done for the community.
There were 4 of them burned alive by a devil monstrous scumb, 3 of them were kids. The public sentiment is high bcoz domestic violence doesn’t stop or reduce despite the efforts (or little efforts) frm the authorities. What’s next? How to prevent such tragedy frm happening? How?
Has there even been the conversation on how these comments were received. Clearly he doesnt understand the impact of DV nor does he understand the long term mental assault that anyone affected goes through, in order to protect themselves and kids. Perhaps he should put himself
As well he should.
a very sad story...feel very sorry for the grandmother, not sure how can this guy had the courage to kill his so young children and his ex. can't imagine the suffering they would have had in that last moment...i am so damn angry and sad, god help us
Has he sent the guy for a mental examination?
Great QldPolice, but standing Mark Thompson 'aside' from the investigation does nothing to assure the public that 1. he understands that people aren't 'driven' to murder or 2. that QLD police take family and domestic violence (women and children) seriously.
Trying to explain this to my 83 year old mum whose husband never hit, threatened or bullied her: 'Basically,' I said, 'the cop was implying that if she and the kids hadn't left him he wouldn't have been 'driven' to kill them.' The idea that men own women is alive and promoted.
I rarely call for someone to be sacked over comments they've made, but this comment was beyond appalling. For an attitude like this to be held by a person in a senior role in the police is absolutely unacceptable.
BrianBrownUCA Listening to Qld police presser I thought how open he was not usual police speak that is hard to understand and tells us nothing. Then when I heard him say there may have been reasons for his actions my head just spun back in shock. Police attitude in this area is appalling
Yeah, we’re sorry we publicly verbalised our shitty police culture, we should have just kept quiet. Get stuffed Qld Police.
A day late. Disgusted
SBS police need to stop using their try hard 'police talk' and actually just be honest at press conferences. From the very beginning it was clear what took place. A brutal murder of a beautiful family by a evil, violent, and controlling scumbag.
SBS This man should never again represent the police on matters of domestic violence.
Tglatin Any consequences for him? Or just QldPolice Commissioner apologising for his insensitive, cruel comments? MSM auspol
Damage done. Hand shown. Women are told - yet again - you're 'asking for it' Men are told - yet AGAIN - if you don't get what you want you can hit her, hurt them, kill them...because we all know only you matter - and they deserve it.
popcoin3 BUT THE DANAGE IS DONE. Victim blaming is reinforced, yet again.
'mental health issues or alcohol may exacerbate violence, but it does not drive it – gender inequality does,' No, power inequality cause violence.
“Is this an issue of a woman suffering significant domestic violence and her and her children perishing at the hands of the husband, or is it an instance of a husband being driven too far by issues he’s suffered by certain circumstances into committing acts of this form?” WTF
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit In an emergency, call 000.
AVO alone will not stop horrific violence. Where sufficient violent history should be AVO condition to attend at least 10 CBT sessions, with a psych in 1st instance. Non-compliance = breach leading to jail. This can be quickly rolled out, get it done.
So he should. Unacceptable language when dealing with domestic violence. Some remedial training required?
the officer needs to be disciplined - women do not feel safe knowing this is how police think
There was an AVO on the bloke as well. Pathetic failure.
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