She Matters

She wanted to control her own life - for this, he murdered her - in front of the children.

Her name is Alison Doreen Perfect. She was only 39.

When they took him to jail, Alison's children were placed in the foster care system.

Her daughter Donna-Leigh Perfect endured deeply traumatic violence while in care - and when the killer was released from jail, she was given an impossible choice.

Today, Donna-Leigh walks us through her Alison's far-too short life, the impact of her father's decision to kill and how the trauma...

She wanted to control her own life - for this, he murdered her - in front of the children. Her name is Alison Doreen Perfect. She was only 39.

When they took him to jail, Alison's children were placed in the foster care system. Her daughter Donna-Leigh Perfect endured deeply traumatic violence while in care - and when the killer was released from jail, she was given an impossible choice.

Today, Donna-Leigh walks us through her Alison's far-too short life, the impact of her father's decision to kill and how the trauma of her destroyed childhood...

At the start of the She Matters Podcast, I interviewed Nikkita Azzopardi's brother Shaun, sister Farrah and cousin Priya. At the time, Nikkita's killer was going through the legal process. Today, I speak again to Shaun and also Nikkita's parents Mary and Edward. They have, in many ways found some solace following the death of the man who ended Nikkita's life. This is part two of Nikkita's story - I recommend listening to part one before listening to this episode. This episode does discuss domestic violence and murder, and it is not safe for children.

This...

Today, we are replaying Nikkita’s story because next week, Sherele sits down with her parents, Mary, Edward and her brother, Shaun, for an update. Listen to today's replay to remember Nikkita's story, share it and get ready for next week’s incredibly raw update with her family.

She lived her life to the fullest, skydiving, travelling, food, fun.

She was the glue that held her family together. On her 35th birthday, she told them about her new partner. Six months later, her dad and brother broke into their home, they found her dead.

We are re-releasing this episode, Kelly's sister Paula and Sherele Moody are actively fighting to secure a coronial inquest into Kelly's death. To make this happen, they need to present compelling evidence to the coroner. We are putting Kelly’s story back at the top of your feed because the truth cannot be buried. We need eyes on this case, we need voices raised, and most importantly, we need anyone with information, memories, or pieces of the puzzle to step forward.

Share this episode. Help us demand the answers and the justice that Kelly, and her fa...

There's a moment in her story when you understand how cold and calculating a killer can be. There's a moment in her dad's story that will madden and frustrate you. There's a moment in her sister's story when you will understand how brave and empathetic families can be in the wake of violence and murder. Her name is Jacinta Louise Bush. She was only 19. Four months after her partner ended Jacinta's life, another man killed her dad Robert. For 25 years Jacinta's sister Jonty Bush has carried their legacies forward, fighting for systemic and political change in a world where...

There's a moment in her story when you understand how cold and calculating a killer can be. There's a moment in her dad's story that will madden and frustrate you. There's a moment in her sister's story when you will understand how brave and empathetic families can be in the wake of violence and murder. Her name is Jacinta Louise Bush. She was only 19. Four months after her partner ended Jacinta's life, another man killed her dad Robert. For 25 years Jacinta's sister Jonty Bush has carried their legacies forward, fighting for systemic and political change in a world where...

It's the waiting for answers that tires her the most. A loving aunt to a little girl stolen from her bed in the deep of night. Margaret Thomas was 29 years old when her first-born niece was abducted. The little girl's name is Eloise Anne Worledge. She was only eight years old. It's been 50 years since that day and Margaret is now a woman in her twilight years. Despite the passage of time and the impact of age, her determination to find her niece's final resting place - and her killer - has not waned. Today, Margaret talks about her...

His abuse of her was relentless and brutal. When she died, she was treated as nothing more than a footnote in the legal system. Her name is Kiara Ferguson. She was only 27. A single bullet killed Kiara. She was pregnant with her third child. Her daughters were in the room nearby. Everything that happened to Kiara - before and after her death - is stark evidence of how badly Australian women are failed by multiple systems and how the needs of killers are prioritised over victims. Kiara's mum Jo and her sisters Julie and Karyn tell th...

His abuse of her was relentless and brutal. When she died, she was treated as nothing more than a footnote in the legal system. Her name is Kiara Ferguson. She was only 27. A single bullet killed Kiara. She was pregnant with her third child. Her daughters were in the room nearby. Everything that happened to Kiara - before and after her death - is stark evidence of how badly Australian women are failed by multiple systems and how the needs of killers are prioritised over victims. Kiara's mum Jo and her sisters Julie and Karyn tell th...

He brutalised her for years and when the police came, they charged her with violence. When he killed her, they let him get away with murder. Her name is Alicia Little. She was only 41. Alicia's mum Lee Little has dedicated almost every waking hour to changing the story for other women. It's been horrific knowing Alicia's killer is on dating apps and roaming the country, barely having suffered consequences for his actions. Lee and Alicia's best mate and sister-in-law Lauren speak about the joy she brought into their lives, the ongoing injustices they face and their determination to make th...

He brutalised her for years and when the police came, they charged her with violence. When he killed her, they let him get away with murder. Her name is Alicia Little. She was only 41. Alicia's mum Lee Little has dedicated almost every waking hour to changing the story for other women. It's been horrific knowing Alicia's killer is on dating apps and roaming the country, barely having suffered consequences for his actions. Lee and Alicia's best mate and sister-in-law Lauren speak about the joy she brought into their lives, the ongoing injustices they face and their determination to make th...

She went for a drive with her son. After that, everything is a mystery. No charges. No body. No legal outcomes. Her name is Kathleen (Katie) O'Shea. She was only 44. Katie's daughter Lily has spent more than half her life not knowing who killed her mum. Somewhere in the vast Atherton Tablelands in Queensland is her body and the evidence police need to charge Katie's killer. Today, Lily tells the She Matters Podcast how hard it has been to maintain hope that justice will prevail, and she explains how her mum's murder has impacted her life. This episode discusses d...

Far from home she died. A young woman who spent the final years of her life living in terror. Her name is Molly Jane Wilkes. She was only 22. For every one woman I document as having been killed by their former or current partner, another 10 women will die by suicide following domestic violence. Yet, domestic violence related suicide flies under the radar. Molly is one of these women. Since her death almost four years ago, Molly's mum Julie has relentlessly lobbied to close a loophole that made Molly's death even more hard to navigate. Today, Julie speaks about her...

Far from home she died. A young woman who spent the final years of her life living in terror. Her name is Molly Jane Wilkes. She was only 22. For every one woman I document as having been killed by their former or current partner, another 10 women will die by suicide following domestic violence. Yet, domestic violence related suicide flies under the radar. Molly is one of these women. Since her death almost four years ago, Molly's mum Julie has relentlessly lobbied to close a loophole that made Molly's death even more hard to navigate. Today, Julie speaks about her...

There's a point in her story, where you understand exactly how hard it is for women to leave an abuser. Her name is Caitlin Rose Thornton. She was only 21. On International Women's Day she made a huge decision about her life. By evening she was on life support - she died three days later. In this episode you will hear Caitlin begging for er life and for her children. It is deeply confronting audio. You will also hear Caitlin's mum Kylie speak of how hard it is to get justice when a woman's death sits on t...

There's a point in her story, where you understand exactly how hard it is for women to leave an abuser. Her name is Caitlin Rose Thornton. She was only 21. On International Women's Day she made a huge decision about her life. By evening she was on life support - she died three days later. In this episode you will hear Caitlin begging for er life and for her children. It is deeply confronting audio. You will also hear Caitlin's mum Kylie speak of how hard it is to get justice when a woman's death sits on t...

For 22 years, she's waited. For answers. For justice. For peace. But it never comes. She waits for the person who killed her precious nonna to be held to account. It feels like an eternity, these decades. Her nonna's name is Marea Bambina Alice Yann. She was only 69. Esther Yann was nine when her darling grandmother was murdered. After years of hope and despair, Esther continues to push through. She speaks today about the path she walks and her hopes for justice. This episode discusses domestic violence and murder. It is not for children. This is Marea's story.

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For 22 years, she's waited. For answers. For justice. For peace. But it never comes. She waits for the person who killed her precious nonna to be held to account. It feels like an eternity, these decades. Her nonna's name is Marea Bambina Alice Yann. She was only 69. Esther Yann was nine when her darling grandmother was murdered. After years of hope and despair, Esther continues to push through. She speaks today about the path she walks and her hopes for justice. This episode discusses domestic violence and murder. It is not for children. This is Marea's story.

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He abused her for years. He demeaned her to his children. He controlled her financially. He sent death threats. He acted the doting dad and husband in public. And still they blame her. Her name is Kristy Armstrong. She was only 36. Kristy's mum explains how hard it was for her daughter to disclose what he was doing, the hurdles Kristy faced when she reached out for support from domestic violence services, the ongoing victim-blaming and what it's like to raise her granddaughters. This episode discusses coercive control, domestic violence, suicide and murder. It is not for children. This is Kristy...

He abused her for years. He demeaned her to his children. He controlled her financially. He sent death threats. He acted the doting dad and husband in public. And still they blame her. Her name is Kristy Armstrong. She was only 36. Kristy's mum explains how hard it was for her daughter to disclose what he was doing, the hurdles Kristy faced when she reached out for support from domestic violence services, the ongoing victim-blaming and what it's like to raise her granddaughters. This episode discusses coercive control, domestic violence, suicide and murder. It is not for children. This is Kristy...

She was known for her beautiful voice, her ability to enchant an audience. She was an icon in her little town - the woman her rode her bicycle everywhere. She wasn't allowed to drive. It's easy to stop a woman leaving with her little children if you take away her independence. But she tried to leave - so many times. Then one day her daughter came home. The police were in the front yard. Her young brother was inside. Her dad was in handcuffs. Her mum was dead. Her name is Kay Browne. She was only 51. Today, that little g...

She went to work like she always did. It was her dream job, working with children. She'd left her abusive partner and was rebuilding her life, piece by piece. He was waiting. After he killed her, he claimed she provoked him. A court let him get away with murder. Her name is Vicki Cleary. She was only 25. Elizabeth was only a child when her sister died. It's taken decades to find her voice, to step into the light to fight for change. This episode discusses domestic violence and murder. It is not for children. This is Vicki's story - a...

He murdered her in the bedroom next to her sleeping baby. Now that little girl carries a sign with her mum's photo at rallies to end violence against women. Her mum's name is Katie Haley. Katie was only 29. Katie was - and always will be - the beating heart of her family. Her dad Boyd and little sister Bianca join She Matters to share her story. It's a story of hidden dangers, lingering guilt, precious moments and forever memories. This episode discusses domestic violence, murder and coercive control so it is not safe for children. This is Katie's story.<...

He murdered her in the bedroom next to her sleeping baby. Now that little girl carries a sign with her mum's photo at rallies to end violence against women. Her mum's name is Katie Haley. Katie was only 29. Katie was - and always will be - the beating heart of her family. Her dad Boyd and little sister Bianca join She Matters to share her story. It's a story of hidden dangers, lingering guilt, precious moments and forever memories. This episode discusses domestic violence, murder and coercive control so it is not safe for children. This is Katie's story.<...

They say it takes seven attempts before a woman successfully leaves an abuser. She only made it to number six. Her name is Phoebe Handsjuk. She was only 24. Most know her as the woman at bottom of the rubbish chute. But Pheobe was so much more than the circumstances of her death. For 25 years, Phoebe's family have been trying to find out the truth of what happened that day. Her mum Natalie joins She Matters to about their fight for justice, her daughter's strengths, passions and vulnerabilities and her legacy. This episode discusses suicide, substance abuse, mental health, coercive co...

They say it takes seven attempts before a woman successfully leaves an abuser. She only made it to number six. Her name is Phoebe Handsjuk. She was only 24. Most know her as the woman at bottom of the rubbish chute. But Pheobe was so much more than the circumstances of her death. For 25 years, Phoebe's family have been trying to find out the truth of what happened that day. Her mum Natalie joins She Matters to about their fight for justice, her daughter's strengths, passions and vulnerabilities and her legacy. This episode discusses suicide, substance abuse, mental health, coercive co...

She was funny. She was feisty. She was fierce. An adventurer, a generous soul, a dreamer. She was the heart and soul of her family. In those last months, she was sad. Her eyes had lost that special sparkle and her fierceness was tempered by a dreadful knowing. Her name is Haley Elizabeth Maureen Allison. She was only 26. She left him. He killed her. The legal system betrayed her. Haley's mum Shelley and her aunt Laura remember their beautiful Haley and talk about how the system continues to traumatise them. This episode discusses domestic violence and murder. It is...

She was funny. She was feisty. She was fierce. An adventurer, a generous soul, a dreamer. She was the heart and soul of her family. In those last months, she was sad. Her eyes had lost that special sparkle and her fierceness was tempered by a dreadful knowing. Her name is Haley Elizabeth Maureen Allison. She was only 26. She left him. He killed her. The legal system betrayed her. Haley's mum Shelley and her aunt Laura remember their beautiful Haley and talk about how the system continues to traumatise them. This episode discusses domestic violence and murder. It is...

On her last day, she called her mum and said she was leaving him. She packed her bags, put her daughters in the car, and started the engine. She raced back inside to grab something. She never made it out.

Her name is Amy Lee Wensley. She was only 24.

There were failures throughout the investigation into her death and now, 14 years later, her family is still fighting for justice. Today, her aunt Anna and best friend Erin talk about the struggles they’ve faced bringing Amy’s suspected killer to justice, how they’re keeping her le...

On her last day, she called her mum and said she was leaving him. She packed her bags, put her daughters in the car, and started the engine. She raced back inside to grab something. She never made it out.

Her name is Amy Lee Wensley. She was only 24.

There were failures throughout the investigation into her death and now, 14 years later, her family is still fighting for justice. Today, her aunt Anna and best friend Erin talk about the struggles they’ve faced bringing Amy’s suspected killer to justice, how they’re keeping her le...

He tells me he believes he will kill me, that that’s how it will end. He hates me.  How can I stand to be in a house with someone who hates me, he ask’s.' She wrote these words in her diary on June 31, 2019. Her name is Holly Anne Davidson. She died nine months later. She was only 38. Holly was a police officer. Her abuser still is a police officer. The police force protected him and threw her to the wolves. Until very recently it was illegal to tell you her name. Today Holly's mum Peta and her fri...

He tells me he believes he will kill me, that that’s how it will end. He hates me.  How can I stand to be in a house with someone who hates me, he ask’s.' She wrote these words in her diary on June 31, 2019. Her name is Holly Anne Davidson. She died nine months later. She was only 38. Holly was a police officer. Her abuser still is a police officer. The police force protected him and threw her to the wolves. Until very recently it was illegal to tell you her name. Today Holly's mum Peta and her fri...

She was loving her life, building a career in the mining industry, spending time with her family and friends, planning getaways and haircuts. Most importantly, she looked forward to a life free of violence. Then, on a dark lonely highway, she was killed. Her name is Courtney Paige Anderson. She was only 28. The police failed to investigate properly, so her family have become the detectives - doing everything they can to work out how and why she died. Today, her mum Lee-Ann, dad Don and stepmum Kristy walk us through the battle to get Justice for Courtney. This episode d...

She was loving her life, building a career in the mining industry, spending time with her family and friends, planning getaways and haircuts. Most importantly, she looked forward to a life free of violence. Then, on a dark lonely highway, she was killed. Her name is Courtney Paige Anderson. She was only 28. The police failed to investigate properly, so her family have become the detectives - doing everything they can to work out how and why she died. Today, her mum Lee-Ann, dad Don and stepmum Kristy walk us through the battle to get Justice for Courtney. This episode d...

All she wanted was stability, a home for her children, a paddock for her horses and love. He gave her nothing but heartbreak and terror. Her name is Jacqueline (Jacqui) Lee Purton. She was 37. Her daughter Shakira and her mother Leanne talk about how the legal system and media failed them and Jacqui and how Jacqui's life, death and legacy. This episode is not suitable for children and discusses domestic violence and murder.

PLEASE SIGN & SHARE THE PETITION FOR JACQUI'S LAW https://c.org/hVRf9LC55j

This season of She Matters is...

She lived her life to the fullest, skydiving, travelling, food, fun.

She was the glue that held her family together. On her 35th birthday, she told them about her new partner. Six months later, her dad and brother broke into their home, they found her dead.

Her name is Nikkita Azzopardi. Her brother Shaun, sister Farrah, and cousin Priya join me today to share her story.

This season of She Matters is supported by Verve Super, committed to women’s financial security and standing against violence in all its forms.

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At the intersection of Johnston and Gore in Collingwood, the face of a young smiling woman beams across passers-by. Say her name to any Melbournian and they'll tell you what they were doing when they heard the news about her murder. Her name is Courtney Herron. She was only 25.

Today, Courtney's mum Maxxi and baby sister Sian speak publicly for the first time about their person. There's is not an easy story to tell - they will be discussing physical and sexual violence as well as drug use and suicidal ideation. 

This season o...

Every night, she cries herself to sleep. A mum deprived of her baby daughter. A mum deprived of answers and justice. Her daughter's name is Talon Jai-Grace Hehir. She was only 8 months old. Talon's mum Kayla and her grandfather Tony tell her story and the battles they've faced in bringing the little girl's killer to justice.  

This season of She Matters is supported by Verve Super, committed to women’s financial security and standing against violence in all its forms.

Presenter: Sherele Moody

Producer: Dash Made Studios

Executive Producers: Bravecasting Podca...

A man heard the violence behind the wall. He did not help her. Her sister found the single mum days later. The smell of her favourite human decaying forever lingers in her memory. Her murder warranted no more than three lines in one newspaper. Her killer still walks among us.

Her name is Kelly Williams (Duffy). She was only 31. You've never heard of her but it's not for want of trying. Kelly's sister Paula has spent the past 23 years trying to get journalists to tell her story.

Today she gets that wish.