MP Sarah Henderson tells parliament of friend's domestic violence death

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/nov/25/mp-sarah-henderson-breaks-down-parliament-friends-domestic-violence-death

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Liberal MP Sarah Henderson has broken down describing how a family friend died just days ago in a domestic violence incident.

In a late-night address to parliament ahead of White Ribbon Day, Henderson fought back tears recounting the story of “vivacious” and “gentle” Monique Denahy.

“Three days ago Monique was murdered by her American partner in the US. It was a deliberate and calculated murder-suicide,” she told parliament on Tuesday.

“Monique had decided to leave the relationship and return home, but she never made it.”

Related: Victim-blaming rampant in Australians' attitudes towards violence against women – study

The sheriff’s office in Palm Beach, Florida, told local media that Daniel Millner, 55, had killed Denahy in a gated community there over the weekend, the ABC reported.

Henderson said the story highlighted how domestic violence was often considered something that happened to someone else.

“Monique’s death has shown me that this is a crime that can touch every single family.”

She said such violence was the result in part of “perverse attitudes by men”.

“We have to break this cycle of violence, which in many cases is being fuelled by drugs, alcohol, rage, revenge – and perverse attitudes by men who think it is OK to hurt a woman. We all have a responsibility to educate young people—an Our Watch survey found that one in four young men believe controlling and violent behaviour is a sign of male strength.

“I say to all Australians: tomorrow wear your white ribbon, take the pledge and please stand up and speak out against family violence. Monique, you were a beautiful and gentle soul. Rest in peace.”

Related: 'These women are not statistics' – deaths in Australia in 2015

Denahy’s family released a statement to the Geelong Advertiser saying they were devastated by her murder.

“We are heartbroken to share the news that our beautiful Monique has died tragically whilst living in Florida, USA. Monique was a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend and will be sadly missed by so many,” the statement says.

“Monique was so gentle and kind and had the most positive outlook on life. The circumstances of her death have left us shattered with grief.

“Whilst we mourn the loss of such a beautiful, vivacious person, we will also celebrate her remarkable life and cherish the time that we shared with her.”

Denahy, 49, was originally from the Geelong region and has a daughter at the Geelong College and a son at university in the US, according to the paper.

Malcolm Turnbull is due to address a white ribbon Day event in Parliament House on Wednesday.