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In this heavy but essential episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey confront the "national crisis" of domestic violence and the predictable patterns that lead to intimate partner homicide. Moving beyond media narratives that describe these tragedies as "senseless" or "out of nowhere," this discussion utilizes research from 2024–2026 to map out the "Path to Lethality."
We dive deep into criminologist Jane Monckton Smith’s 8-stage homicide timeline, exploring how a relationship moves from "fast-tracked" romance to coercive control, and ultimately to the terminal stage of homicide.
The episode also addresses the terrifying surge in filicide, examining why 1 in 4 domestic murder victims in NSW are now children and identifying the "proxy" motives and systemic failures that leave families at risk. Finally, we look at the economics of prevention, discussing the $45 billion annual burden of child maltreatment on the Australian economy and the urgent need to shift funding from crisis response to early, proactive intervention.
⚠️ Trigger Warning
Today’s episode involves detailed discussions of domestic violence, intimate partner homicide, and the death of children. This content is deeply distressing, but we believe that understanding the mechanics of this violence is the first step toward stopping it.
Support Resources
If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed, please reach out for support:
Please find the crisis domestic violence support number in your area.
Connect with us:
Music by Hannah Park
Editing by Angus Pinkstone
By Jodie Park and Rose MackeyIn this heavy but essential episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey confront the "national crisis" of domestic violence and the predictable patterns that lead to intimate partner homicide. Moving beyond media narratives that describe these tragedies as "senseless" or "out of nowhere," this discussion utilizes research from 2024–2026 to map out the "Path to Lethality."
We dive deep into criminologist Jane Monckton Smith’s 8-stage homicide timeline, exploring how a relationship moves from "fast-tracked" romance to coercive control, and ultimately to the terminal stage of homicide.
The episode also addresses the terrifying surge in filicide, examining why 1 in 4 domestic murder victims in NSW are now children and identifying the "proxy" motives and systemic failures that leave families at risk. Finally, we look at the economics of prevention, discussing the $45 billion annual burden of child maltreatment on the Australian economy and the urgent need to shift funding from crisis response to early, proactive intervention.
⚠️ Trigger Warning
Today’s episode involves detailed discussions of domestic violence, intimate partner homicide, and the death of children. This content is deeply distressing, but we believe that understanding the mechanics of this violence is the first step toward stopping it.
Support Resources
If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed, please reach out for support:
Please find the crisis domestic violence support number in your area.
Connect with us:
Music by Hannah Park
Editing by Angus Pinkstone