Susanna Freymark
Sarah Miles is the 47th woman to be killed through family violence in Australia this year according to Australian Femicide Watch.
Early Saturday morning on June 29, Ms Miles was beaten and died at her home in Johnston Street, Casino. Read more here.
In 2022–23, one woman was killed every 11 days and one man was killed every 91 days by an intimate partner according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
As unsettling as the domestic violence statistics are, Sarah Miles isn’t a number and this isn’t some other town – it’s Casino.
Ms Miles was a mother of three, a daughter, and a friend – and as her loved ones and the community grieve, Dwayne Creighton, 31, has been charged with murder.
Creighton was in Lismore Court today, July 1 via video link. Bail was not applied for. His next court appearance is on August 28.
Apparently, Creighton and Ms Miles had only been together a few months.
The family said in a statement that “Sarah was a loving, talented and compassionate person, she made an impact on everyone she met.
“This is a tragic and unbelievable loss for her children and family who she loved dearly.
“Sarah will be missed by many people and we ask that you give the family some privacy in this tragic time.”
Tragic too is the slow response time to a triple zero call made by a neighbour at 1.30am on June 29.
At 2.25am, police acknowledged the call and were at Ms Miles’s house within two minutes.
But it was too late.
Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said when police arrived Ms Miles was unconscious but breathing. She died at the scene.
“The delay in the timing of police acknowledging that call and attending the scene has given me enough concerns that I’ve asked for an independent review,” he said.
The State Government announced today, Monday, July 1 that victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence have stronger protections in NSW with the criminalisation of coercive control and stronger bail laws coming into effect.
The new bail reforms will make it more difficult for those accused of serious domestic violence offences to get bail.
Attorney General Michael Daley said, “Abuse against a current or former intimate partner is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
State Member Janelle Saffin welcomed the criminalisation of coercive control behaviour as domestic violence starts with this behaviour; bad name calling, put-downs, monitoring phones and friends, dictating where to go, who to meet, what to wear and physical and mind control.
“This significant legal change will start to change attitudes. It is not okay to abuse/damage those you profess to love,” Ms Saffin said.
“Our society must do better and not accept this behaviour anywhere at any time.
“I shake my head in disbelief as to why men continue to murder the women in their lives.”
If you need help or want to talk call 1800 737 732 or 1800 RESPECT.
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