The tragic deaths of Jennifer Petelczyc, 59, and her 18-year-old daughter Gretl in a double-murder suicide in Perth have once again highlighted the crisis of male violence against women in Australia. The incident, which occurred at their Floreat residence, involved a 63-year-old man who turned the gun on himself after shooting the mother and daughter.
This latest tragedy adds to the alarming statistics of women who have lost their lives to violence in Australia this year. At least 38 women have allegedly died at the hands of men since the beginning of the year, with five victims falling prey to the horrific Bondi Westfield massacre where the killer specifically targeted females in a stabbing frenzy.
Independent Curtin MP Kate Chaney, representing the electorate that includes Floreat, expressed her frustration and grief over the senseless deaths of the Petelczycs. She emphasized the urgent need for action to address the escalating issue of gender-based violence in the country.
The federal government’s ten-year goal to eliminate gendered violence in one generation has come under scrutiny following the recent spate of killings. In response to growing concerns, the government unveiled its National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children in 2022, a $2.3 billion, 10-point action plan aimed at combating gender-based violence.
The tragic incident in Floreat has left the local community in shock and mourning, with Perth Mayor Basil Zempilas expressing his condolences and solidarity with the victims’ family and friends. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths is ongoing, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic double murder-suicide.
As Australia grapples with the devastating impact of male violence against women, calls for urgent action and systemic change have grown louder. The need to address the root causes of gender-based violence and ensure the safety and protection of women across the country has never been more pressing.