Claire Austin, a 38-year-old marketing executive, has died from catastrophic injuries sustained during an alleged domestic violence incident in Randwick, Sydney. Emergency services responded early Saturday after a neighbour reported shouting from her apartment.
NSW Police found Ms Austin critically injured inside her unit with a partially severed arm and extensive bleeding. She had crashed through a glass sliding door while allegedly trying to flee. Paramedics transported her to St Vincent’s Hospital where she remained on life support for three days.
British National Dies Days Before AVO Hearing
Ms Austin, originally from Britain, had lived in Australia for the past decade. She died on Tuesday, just days before her apprehended violence order (AVO) application was due for a hearing at Waverley Local Court. Police had submitted the AVO application on her behalf following the incident.
Loved ones travelled from the United Kingdom to be by her side after doctors contacted them on Saturday. They arrived in Sydney hours before her death.
NSW Police Launch Strike Force Lydoch
NSW Police have established Strike Force Lydoch to investigate the incident. A 44-year-old man known to Ms Austin was taken from the scene for questioning on Saturday. He was later released without charge.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the man was admitted to a mental health unit on Tuesday night.
Figure 2: A 44 year old man was taken from Ms Austin’s Randwick home to a mental health facility
Police Confirm Criminal Investigation
Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell described the incident as a tragic loss of life.
“People have to stop dying in situations of domestic violence,” Mr Thurtell said. “Whether it’s women or men, and most of the time it is women who die in DV situations, it is tragic and it has to end.”
State Leaders Respond to Tragedy
NSW Premier Chris Minns offered condolences to Ms Austin’s family and friends.
“I can just imagine how devastated they are today,” Mr Minns said. “It’s another example of somebody dying, allegedly at the hands of domestic violence.”
Mr Minns said a police taskforce is working to deliver justice for Ms Austin and her loved ones.
Campaigners Call for Urgent Action
Prominent domestic violence campaigner Michelle Faye said Ms Austin’s death, if proven to be DV-related, is both tragic and infuriating.
“It’s heartbreaking knowing that she’s not the only one. Women are living with this fear and risk every day. This must stop. It’s not good enough,” Ms Faye said.
Ms Faye is running for the Queensland seat of McPherson as an independent and has called for systemic reform.
“These stories keep ending the same way with a woman’s life cut short and no response from policymakers with solutions,” Ms Faye said. “They don’t even publicly acknowledge the deaths of these women.”
Figure 3: Window with handprints at the crime scene
Advocates Demand Political Acknowledgement
Kathy Kaplan, founder of the domestic violence support service Impact for Women, also responded to the tragedy.
“May her dear soul rest in peace,” Ms Kaplan posted on Facebook. She said Ms Austin’s death, if confirmed as DV-related, marks the third such fatality in 24 hours.
“We’re halfway through our election campaign. Has anyone heard either Anthony Albanese or Peter Dutton mention gendered violence or domestic violence as an issue?” Ms Kaplan said.
Government Acknowledges Sobering Data
NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, extended sympathies to Ms Austin’s family.
“I can’t imagine the grief they are experiencing,” Ms Harrison said.
She said NSW Police are working to deliver justice with Strike Force Lydoch.
“In the year to December 2024, there were 39 victims of domestic violence-related murder in New South Wales,” Ms Harrison said.
“These are more than numbers. These are women whose lives were unjustly taken, who were deeply loved by their family, their friends, their communities. And whose loss continues to be mourned by so many.”
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Ms Harrison said the government is committed to a comprehensive response involving prevention, intervention, crisis support and recovery.
Community and Colleagues in Mourning
Friends and colleagues of Ms Austin have expressed deep shock over her death. One friend told The Daily Telegraph she had planned to move to Queensland.
Another said: “We are all absolutely in shock … our beautiful, beautiful Claire. The light of our lives, our fun, happy, beautiful Claire.”
Ms Austin had worked for multiple companies since arriving in Australia. Her recent roles included work with SXSW Sydney and award-winning agency The Misfits.
Authorities Seek Information
NSW Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Support Services Available for Those in Need
Support services are available for those affected by domestic or sexual violence.
- National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
- Emergency Accommodation: 1800 800 588
- Safe At Home: 1800 633 937
- National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery: 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578)
- Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline (LGBTIQA+): 1800 497 212
- SHE (Support, Help, Empowerment): 6278 9090
- Sexual Assault Support Services: 6231 1811 (after hours: 6231 1817)
- Family Violence Crisis and Support Service: 1800 608 122
- Bravehearts (Child Sexual Assault): 1800 BRAVE 1
- Kids Helpline (ages 5 to 25): 1800 551 800
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
Don’t Become That Man helpline: 1300 243 413
