Woman Found Dead in Victoria Home, Man Arrested as Violence Against Women Rises in Australia

A 49-year-old woman, identified as Emma Bates, was found dead inside her home in Cobram, Victoria on Tuesday afternoon. Victoria police are investigating the death as a homicide and have arrested a 39-year-old Cobram man who is believed to be known to the victim. The man has been charged with intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, common law assault, aggravated assault of a female, and unlawful assault.

Emergency services were called to the property on Campbell Road, where Bates' body was discovered. She had suffered injuries to her upper body and face. The arrested man, identified as John Torney, was previously acquitted of murdering a 2-year-old girl in Mildura in 2015. Bates and Torney were neighbors who had recently begun dating, according to reports.

This incident comes just days after 28-year-old mother Molly Ticehurst was found dead in her central New South Wales home. The NSW government is considering an overhaul of bail laws following revelations that the man accused of murdering Ticehurst was on bail for allegedly raping and stalking her. The government has made a formal referral to the Crown Advocate seeking urgent advice on whether law reform is required in relation to bail laws in the state.

Why this matters: Bates' death is part of a recent spate of killings of women in Australia, with 26 women killed so far in 2024. Domestic violence-related incidents have surged in the region, with 753 incidents reported in the past 12 months. The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for action to address the epidemic of violence against women in the country.

Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan expressed concern over the incident, stating that too many women have lost their lives in 2024 and that governments need to look at strengthening the legal system and support for women. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the rise in violence against women as a "crisis" that requires urgent action. Allan condemned the violence, calling for the community to speak out against disrespect to help prevent such tragedies. "This year, too many women have lost their lives," Allan said. "Governments need to look at strengthening the legal system, strengthening support for women to be able to leave violent relationships."

Key Takeaways

• Woman Emma Bates found dead in Cobram, Victoria; man John Torney arrested.
• Torney previously acquitted of murdering a 2-year-old girl in 2015.
• Bates and Torney were neighbors who had recently begun dating.
• Incident part of recent spate of women killings in Australia, 26 in 2024.
• Governments urged to strengthen legal system and support for women to address crisis.