Story 5: Allison Baden-Clay – Responding to Domestic & Family Violence
2012 – 2022: Queensland
Allison Baden-Clay accomplished many things in life. A university graduate who spoke six languages, she was warm, talented and intelligent. Her passion was ballet, and she lit up the stage when she danced. A high achiever, she was crowned Miss Brisbane in 1993.
She married Gerard Baden-Clay and together they had three daughters. Despite outward appearances, Gerard was not the charming husband he presented to the world. Instead, he was a controlling narcissist who began isolating Allison once she had dedicated her life to their family and lost her career. A man who tormented her about her appearance, told her she was worthless, was unfaithful to her and used their savings to prop up his failing business.
On 19 April 2012, Allison was murdered by her husband in what would become one of the most well-known domestic and family violence cases in Australia.
From 2012 until the end of the long path of litigation in March 2017, HopgoodGanim Lawyers provided significant pro bono assistance to Allison’s family to secure the future of Allison’s three girls. Our pro bono assistance included ensuring that Allison’s children (not Gerard) would benefit from her estate.
After the litigation, HopgoodGanim Lawyers have continued to work pro bono with Allison’s family. We worked with the family to set up and obtain DGR status for the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation. The Foundation aims to educate the community about family and domestic violence and empower them to aid in prevention.
Each July, the Foundation launches their Strive To Be Kind campaign which aims to raise awareness about family and domestic violence and encourage people to practise kindness in their daily lives. Allison’s family is passionate about helping others in similar situations to Allison and encourages everyone to educate themselves on the signs of domestic and family violence. Once we understand the signs, we can equip ourselves with the correct skills to intervene effectively.
Reducing domestic and family violence is one of HopgoodGanim Lawyers’ three pro bono priority areas. We have a long history of working with victim/survivors of domestic and family violence and are focused on prevention, empowerment, increased access to justice and perpetrator accountability.
This story was submitted by HopgoodGanim Lawyers.