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Em Rusciano has a very powerful point about this murder suicide

A man who chased his wife and four children out of their family home with a high-powered rifle before killing her and then himself, is being remembered as a “loving father”.

This jarring statement, that has been reported in a number of media outlets following the murder-suicide that took place in rural Victoria on ANZAC Day, is doing nothing to help the epidemic of domestic violence in Australia, says radio host Em Rusciano.

“Too many women are dying in this country at the hands of their intimate partners,” the breakfast star said this morning as part of a frank discussion about the reporting of suspected cases of domestic violence.

Stories published on Kidspot and the Daily Mail
Stories published on Kidspot and the Daily Mail

“You often see headlines like ‘loving father snaps’. Now what this does is it turns the murder into a victim, and the person who has actually been the victim in this case is Ora Holt, his wife and a mother of four children.

“There’s nothing 'loving' about taking after your family with a high-powered rifle,” she said.

Explaining that journalists regularly take statements about the deceased from members of the community, Rusciano said “they focus around the situation that led up to the snapping, [but] this type of behaviour is not something that just happens in a good person.”

“Often times with domestic violence, things are going on behind closed doors that the community and the neighbours don’t know about.”

Rusciano was passionately arguing for a change in focus from murderer to victim
Rusciano was passionately arguing for a change in focus from murderer to victim

“The fact is in 2016, 71 women died because of violence and 80 per cent were from cases of domestic violence, and it’s not talked about enough,” she added.

Rusciano stressed that the way these cases are reported and spoken about is important because it can help women in similar situations of need and give them an opportunity to get in contact with services that can help them.

With emotion clearly audible in her voice, Rusciano said, “To Ora Holt, your life mattered, I’m very sorry for what happened to you.

“Those four children now don’t have a mother or a father because not enough is being done.”

We couldn’t agree more.

The host of the Em Rusciano Radio Show with Harley Breen, has become famous for bringing attention to issues which aren't normally discussed on weekday breakfast radio.

She's previously spoken out about post-natal depression and mum shaming.

If you or someone you know is suffering from sexual or domestic abuse, don't suffer in silence, call 1800 RESPECT any time of day or night.

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