Women say fear of violence is now normal after MP Helen Haines attack
Women across Australia report increased fear following an attack on Indi MP Helen Haines.
Helen Haines was run down by 43-year-old Brendan Nugent outside her electoral office in Wangaratta, Victoria, sustaining serious injuries with both legs amputated. She remains in hospital in critical condition.
Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody believes many women have been impacted by the attack. "We see ourselves in Helen Haines, we see our vulnerability," Cody said.
"We have that sense of 'it could be us'." A Canberra mother and violence survivor said the incident was retraumatising, forcing her to delete social media and avoid going out.
A 2024 survey found one in four Australian men aged 18 to 45 admitted using physical or sexual violence against an intimate partner. Trauma Recovery Centre head Karen Williams said women are rightly feeling unsafe.
"The reality is that it isn't actually safe for women," she said. Williams warned that events like the Haines attack can make women think their community itself is unsafe.
- 43-year-old Brendan Nugent
- Attacker's age
- One in four Australian men aged 18 to 45
- Men admitting violence
- Both legs amputated
- Haines' injuries
Why it mattersThe attack shows how widespread violence against women is in Australia. It affects women's daily freedom and mental health.
AustraliaAustralian women are reporting that safety concerns now shape where they go, who they trust and their mental wellbeing.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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