She Matters: Women & Girls, Femicide & Gendered Violence
She Matters is an Australian podcast investigating violence against women, femicide, domestic abuse, and gendered violence. Hosted by Sherele Moody, it features truth-telling interviews with families of women lost to violence and examines the systems that too often fail victims. Episodes explore coercive control, intimate partner violence, systemic reform, and the fight for justice. The series carries a content and sensitivity warning because it covers distressing topics including sexual violence, financial abuse, and self-harm.
Episodes
Sandrine Jourdan: Deliberately Disappeared, Missing and Presumed Killed - Part2
Before she disappeared, someone drugged, raped and threatened to strangle her. Her social media was hacked and she was followed. On her last night, multiple gunshots and a woman's screams were heard. There was no indication she planned to end her own life. She bought a mobile phone, visited friends and withdrew money. Yet, police said she was a 'walk-off suicide'. Her name is Sandrine Jourdan. She
Sandrine Jourdan: Deliberately Disappeared, Missing and Presumed Killed - Part 1
Before she disappeared, someone drugged, raped and threatened to strangle her. Her social media was hacked and she was followed. On her last night, multiple gunshots and a woman's screams were heard. There was no indication she planned to end her own life. She bought a mobile phone, visited friends and withdrew money. Yet, police said she was a 'walk-off suicide'. Her name is Sandrine Jourdan. She
Monique Clubb: Police Failures, Missing Persons and Her Family’s Fight for Answers - Part 2
CCTV. Crowds. Security guards. How can a woman simply disappear from a city shopping centre and there be no witnesses, no footage, no answers? Her name is Monique Clubb. She was only 24. Monique was a proud Aboriginal woman from Hervey Bay in Queensland. She went for a trip to Brisbane - and never came home. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are more likely to be deliberately disappeared
Monique Clubb: The Disappearance of a 24-Year-Old Aboriginal Woman in Brisbane - Part 1
CCTV. Crowds. Security guards. How can a woman simply disappear from a city shopping centre and there be no witnesses, no footage, no answers? Her name is Monique Clubb. She was only 24. Monique was a proud Aboriginal woman from Hervey Bay in Queensland. She went for a trip to Brisbane - and never came home. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are more likely to be deliberately disappeared
Kate Amber Reeve: Police Failures, Arson and Her Family’s Fight for Justice - Part 2
On that spring evening, he broke into her home, placed photos of her recently deceased brother on the loungeroom floor and set them on fire. And then he watched the home burn from the town lookout. She, her partner and her dog were asleep. They never had a chance. He bought chocolate and flowers to comfort her family. Police refused to charge him until her family rattled their cage. Her name is Ka
Kate Amber Reeve: The Killing of a Young Woman in a Deliberate House Fire - Part 1
On that spring evening, he broke into her home, placed photos of her recently deceased brother on the loungeroom floor and set them on fire. And then he watched the home burn from the town lookout. She, her partner and her dog were asleep. They never had a chance. He bought chocolate and flowers to comfort her family. Police refused to charge him until her family rattled their cage. Her name is Ka
Eden Westbrook: Child Sex Abuse Offender and Policing Failures - Part 2
In Australia, femicides are often mistaken for suicide and misadventure - her death is one of these. She had barely started living her life when she was found hanging from a tree in a park. Her name is Eden Jayde Westbrook. She was only 15.Eden's mum Amanda, dad Jason and siblings Bobby-Lee, Dontay and Sky talk about the long and arduous fight to have the findings into Eden's death overturned. The
Eden Westbrook: Failed Murder Investigation and the Fight for Justice - Part 1
In Australia, femicides are often mistaken for suicide and misadventure - her death is one of these. She had barely started living her life when she was found hanging from a tree in a park. Her name is Eden Jayde Westbrook. She was only 15. Eden's mum Amanda, dad Jason and siblings Bobby-Lee, Dontay and Sky talk about the long and arduous fight to have the findings into Eden's death overturned. Th
Sue: Domestic Violence, Coercive Control and a Death Without Justice - Part 2
He brutalised her to the brink of death - and when she passed away in hospital, they decided not to charge him. There were no marches, no vigils, no headlines. Her name is Sue. She was only 48. Justice will never come for Sue and her family. But Sue is helping re-frame how Australia responds to violence against women and children. Sue's niece is Micaela Cronin - the National Domestic, Family and S
Sue: Domestic Violence, Coercive Control and a Death Without Justice - Part 1
He brutalised her to the brink of death - and when she passed away in hospital, they decided not to charge him. There were no marches, no vigils, no headlines. Her name is Sue. She was only 48. Justice will never come for Sue and her family. But Sue is helping re-frame how Australia responds to violence against women and children. Sue's niece is Micaela Cronin - the National Domestic, Family and S
Amy Bowden: Coercive Control, Domestic Violence and a Death Police Failed to Examine Properly - Part 2
Unless you've lived it, it's almost impossible to truly understand the insidious mechanisms of coercive control. And when you're watching a loved on from the outside, it's impossible to know how to help them break free. Michelle Sposito's eldest daughter had ambitions, hope and joy. But he trapped her in a cat and mouse game of emotional and psychological warfare. There was no way out - and on tha
Amy Bowden: Coercive Control, Death and a Mother's Fight for Answers - Part 1
Unless you've lived it, it's almost impossible to truly understand the insidious mechanisms of coercive control. And when you're watching a loved on from the outside, it's impossible to know how to help them break free. Michelle Sposito's eldest daughter had ambitions, hope and joy. But he trapped her in a cat and mouse game of emotional and psychological warfare. There was no way out - and on tha
Sherry Joy Bulman: Murder, Coercive Control and Generational Trauma - Part 2
Creative, artistic, adventurous, fun, gregarious - she was many things to those who loved her. To her kids, she was their dedicated mum who just wanted the best for them. Her name is Sherry Joy Bulman. She was only 40 years old. He murdered her because she wanted a new life away from him. She was pregnant with her seventh child.Some 36 years after her murder, Sherry's daughter Tarna and her best f
Sherry Joy Bulman: Pregnant, Trapped by Domestic Violence and Murdered - Part 1
Creative, artistic, adventurous, fun, gregarious - she was many things to those who loved her. To her kids, she was their dedicated mum who just wanted the best for them. Her name is Sherry Joy Bulman. She was only 40 years old. He murdered her because she wanted a new life away from him. She was pregnant with her seventh child.Some 36 years after her murder, Sherry's daughter Tarna and her best f
Alison Doreen Perfect: Domestic Violence, Femicide and Children Left Behind - Part 2
She wanted to control her own life - for this, he murdered her - in front of the children.Her name is Alison Doreen Perfect. She was only 39.When they took him to jail, Alison's children were placed in the foster care system.Her daughter Donna-Leigh Perfect endured deeply traumatic violence while in care - and when the killer was released from jail, she was given an impossible choice.Today, Donna-
Alison Doreen Perfect: Femicide, Coercive Control and a Murder Witnessed by Her Children - Part 1
She wanted to control her own life - for this, he murdered her - in front of the children. Her name is Alison Doreen Perfect. She was only 39.When they took him to jail, Alison's children were placed in the foster care system. Her daughter Donna-Leigh Perfect endured deeply traumatic violence while in care - and when the killer was released from jail, she was given an impossible choice.Today, Donn
Nikkita Azzopardi: Family Finds Solace After Her Murder - Part 2
At the start of the She Matters Podcast, I interviewed Nikkita Azzopardi's brother Shaun, sister Farrah and cousin Priya. At the time, Nikkita's killer was going through the legal process. Today, I speak again to Shaun and also Nikkita's parents Mary and Edward. They have, in many ways found some solace following the death of the man who ended Nikkita's life. This is part two of Nikkita's story -
Nikkita Azzopardi: The Murder of a Woman Starting a New Life — Replay part 1
Today, we are replaying Nikkita’s story because next week, Sherele sits down with her parents, Mary, Edward and her brother, Shaun, for an update. Listen to today's replay to remember Nikkita's story, share it and get ready for next week’s incredibly raw update with her family.She lived her life to the fullest, skydiving, travelling, food, fun.She was the glue that held her family together. On her
Kelly Williams: Domestic Violence, Murder and the Fight for a Coronial Inquest — Replay
We are re-releasing this episode, Kelly's sister Paula and Sherele Moody are actively fighting to secure a coronial inquest into Kelly's death. To make this happen, they need to present compelling evidence to the coroner. We are putting Kelly’s story back at the top of your feed because the truth cannot be buried. We need eyes on this case, we need voices raised, and most importantly, we need anyo
Jacinta and Robert Bush: Two Family Murders and a 25-Year Fight for Justice - Part 2
There's a moment in her story when you understand how cold and calculating a killer can be. There's a moment in her dad's story that will madden and frustrate you. There's a moment in her sister's story when you will understand how brave and empathetic families can be in the wake of violence and murder. Her name is Jacinta Louise Bush. She was only 19. Four months after her partner ended Jacinta's
Jacinta Bush: Murdered at 19 — Then Her Father Was Killed Four Months Later - Part 1
There's a moment in her story when you understand how cold and calculating a killer can be. There's a moment in her dad's story that will madden and frustrate you. There's a moment in her sister's story when you will understand how brave and empathetic families can be in the wake of violence and murder. Her name is Jacinta Louise Bush. She was only 19. Four months after her partner ended Jacinta's
Eloise Worledge: The 8-Year-Old Girl Who Vanished From Her Bed 50 Years Ago
It's the waiting for answers that tires her the most. A loving aunt to a little girl stolen from her bed in the deep of night. Margaret Thomas was 29 years old when her first-born niece was abducted. The little girl's name is Eloise Anne Worledge. She was only eight years old. It's been 50 years since that day and Margaret is now a woman in her twilight years. Despite the passage of time and the i
Kiara Ferguson: Suspicious Death, Legal System Failure and the Fight to Remember Her - Part 2
His abuse of her was relentless and brutal. When she died, she was treated as nothing more than a footnote in the legal system. Her name is Kiara Ferguson. She was only 27. A single bullet killed Kiara. She was pregnant with her third child. Her daughters were in the room nearby. Everything that happened to Kiara - before and after her death - is stark evidence of how badly Australian women a
Kiara Ferguson: Domestic Violence, Pregnancy and the Murder of a Young Mother - Part 1
His abuse of her was relentless and brutal. When she died, she was treated as nothing more than a footnote in the legal system. Her name is Kiara Ferguson. She was only 27. A single bullet killed Kiara. She was pregnant with her third child. Her daughters were in the room nearby. Everything that happened to Kiara - before and after her death - is stark evidence of how badly Australian women a
Alicia Little: Domestic Violence, Murder and a Killer Who Escaped Justice - Part 2
He brutalised her for years and when the police came, they charged her with violence. When he killed her, they let him get away with murder. Her name is Alicia Little. She was only 41. Alicia's mum Lee Little has dedicated almost every waking hour to changing the story for other women. It's been horrific knowing Alicia's killer is on dating apps and roaming the country, barely having suf
Alicia Little: Years of Domestic Abuse Before Her Murder - Part 1
He brutalised her for years and when the police came, they charged her with violence. When he killed her, they let him get away with murder. Her name is Alicia Little. She was only 41. Alicia's mum Lee Little has dedicated almost every waking hour to changing the story for other women. It's been horrific knowing Alicia's killer is on dating apps and roaming the country, barely having suf
Kathleen O'Shea: Missing, Murdered and Still Waiting for Justice in Queensland
She went for a drive with her son. After that, everything is a mystery. No charges. No body. No legal outcomes. Her name is Kathleen (Katie) O'Shea. She was only 44. Katie's daughter Lily has spent more than half her life not knowing who killed her mum. Somewhere in the vast Atherton Tablelands in Queensland is her body and the evidence police need to charge Katie's killer. Today, Lily tells
Molly Jane Wilkes: Domestic Violence-Related Suicide and the Fight to Change the Law - Part 2
Far from home she died. A young woman who spent the final years of her life living in terror. Her name is Molly Jane Wilkes. She was only 22. For every one woman I document as having been killed by their former or current partner, another 10 women will die by suicide following domestic violence. Yet, domestic violence related suicide flies under the radar. Molly is one of these women. Since her de
Molly Jane Wilkes: Domestic Violence, Suicide and the Woman Behind the Statistics - Part 1
Far from home she died. A young woman who spent the final years of her life living in terror. Her name is Molly Jane Wilkes. She was only 22. For every one woman I document as having been killed by their former or current partner, another 10 women will die by suicide following domestic violence. Yet, domestic violence related suicide flies under the radar. Molly is one of these women. Since her de
Caitlin Rose Thornton: Suicide, Homicide and a Mother's Fight for the Truth - Part 2
There's a point in her story, where you understand exactly how hard it is for women to leave an abuser. Her name is Caitlin Rose Thornton. She was only 21. On International Women's Day she made a huge decision about her life. By evening she was on life support - she died three days later. In this episode you will hear Caitlin begging for er life and for her children. It is deeply confronting
Caitlin Rose Thornton: Coercive Control, Domestic Violence and a Death Under Investigation - Part 1
There's a point in her story, where you understand exactly how hard it is for women to leave an abuser. Her name is Caitlin Rose Thornton. She was only 21. On International Women's Day she made a huge decision about her life. By evening she was on life support - she died three days later. In this episode you will hear Caitlin begging for er life and for her children. It is deeply confronting
Marea Yann: 22 Years Without Answers After a Family Murder - Part 2
For 22 years, she's waited. For answers. For justice. For peace. But it never comes. She waits for the person who killed her precious nonna to be held to account. It feels like an eternity, these decades. Her nonna's name is Marea Bambina Alice Yann. She was only 69. Esther Yann was nine when her darling grandmother was murdered. After years of hope and despair, Esther continues to push throu
Marea Yann: The Murder of a Grandmother and 22 Years Fighting for Justice - Part 1
For 22 years, she's waited. For answers. For justice. For peace. But it never comes. She waits for the person who killed her precious nonna to be held to account. It feels like an eternity, these decades. Her nonna's name is Marea Bambina Alice Yann. She was only 69. Esther Yann was nine when her darling grandmother was murdered. After years of hope and despair, Esther continues to push throu
Kristy Armstrong: Victim Blaming, Suicide and the Legacy of Domestic Violence - Part 2
He abused her for years. He demeaned her to his children. He controlled her financially. He sent death threats. He acted the doting dad and husband in public. And still they blame her. Her name is Kristy Armstrong. She was only 36. Kristy's mum explains how hard it was for her daughter to disclose what he was doing, the hurdles Kristy faced when she reached out for support
Kristy Armstrong: Coercive Control, Financial Abuse and Domestic Violence - Part 1
He abused her for years. He demeaned her to his children. He controlled her financially. He sent death threats. He acted the doting dad and husband in public. And still they blame her. Her name is Kristy Armstrong. She was only 36. Kristy's mum explains how hard it was for her daughter to disclose what he was doing, the hurdles Kristy faced when she reached out for support
Kay Browne: Domestic Violence, Murder and the Daughter of a Killer
She was known for her beautiful voice, her ability to enchant an audience. She was an icon in her little town - the woman her rode her bicycle everywhere. She wasn't allowed to drive. It's easy to stop a woman leaving with her little children if you take away her independence. But she tried to leave - so many times. Then one day her daughter came home. The police were in the front yard. Her y
Vicki Cleary: She Left Domestic Violence — Then Her Former Partner Killed Her
She went to work like she always did. It was her dream job, working with children. She'd left her abusive partner and was rebuilding her life, piece by piece. He was waiting. After he killed her, he claimed she provoked him. A court let him get away with murder. Her name is Vicki Cleary. She was only 25. Elizabeth was only a child when her sister died. It's taken decades to find her voice, to
Katie Haley: Murdered Nearby Her Sleeping Baby and the Family She Left Behind - Part 2
He murdered her in the bedroom next to her sleeping baby. Now that little girl carries a sign with her mum's photo at rallies to end violence against women. Her mum's name is Katie Haley. Katie was only 29. Katie was - and always will be - the beating heart of her family. Her dad Boyd and little sister Bianca join She Matters to share her story. It's a story of hidden dangers, lingering guilt, pre
Katie Haley: Domestic Violence, Murder and a Baby Left Without Her Mother - Part 1
He murdered her in the bedroom next to her sleeping baby. Now that little girl carries a sign with her mum's photo at rallies to end violence against women. Her mum's name is Katie Haley. Katie was only 29. Katie was - and always will be - the beating heart of her family. Her dad Boyd and little sister Bianca join She Matters to share her story. It's a story of hidden dangers, lingering guilt, pre
Phoebe Handsjuk: The Death That Has Kept Her Family Fighting for 25 Years - Part 2
They say it takes seven attempts before a woman successfully leaves an abuser. She only made it to number six. Her name is Phoebe Handsjuk. She was only 24. Most know her as the woman at bottom of the rubbish chute. But Pheobe was so much more than the circumstances of her death. For 25 years, Phoebe's family have been trying to find out the truth of what happened that day. Her mum Natalie joins S
Phoebe Handsjuk: Coercive Control, Domestic Violence and the Fight for Answers - Part 1
They say it takes seven attempts before a woman successfully leaves an abuser. She only made it to number six. Her name is Phoebe Handsjuk. She was only 24. Most know her as the woman at bottom of the rubbish chute. But Pheobe was so much more than the circumstances of her death. For 25 years, Phoebe's family have been trying to find out the truth of what happened that day. Her mum Natalie joins S
Haley Allison: Leaving Domestic Violence, Murder and the Fight for Justice - Part 2
She was funny. She was feisty. She was fierce. An adventurer, a generous soul, a dreamer. She was the heart and soul of her family. In those last months, she was sad. Her eyes had lost that special sparkle and her fierceness was tempered by a dreadful knowing. Her name is Haley Elizabeth Maureen Allison. She was only 26. She left him. He killed her. The legal system betrayed her. Haley's mum Shell
Haley Allison: Domestic Violence, Murder and a Legal System That Failed Her - Part 1
She was funny. She was feisty. She was fierce. An adventurer, a generous soul, a dreamer. She was the heart and soul of her family. In those last months, she was sad. Her eyes had lost that special sparkle and her fierceness was tempered by a dreadful knowing. Her name is Haley Elizabeth Maureen Allison. She was only 26. She left him. He killed her. The legal system betrayed her. Haley's mum Shell
Amy Wensley: Her Murder, the Fight for Justice and the Women Left Behind - Part 2
On her last day, she called her mum and said she was leaving him. She packed her bags, put her daughters in the car, and started the engine. She raced back inside to grab something. She never made it out.Her name is Amy Lee Wensley. She was only 24.There were failures throughout the investigation into her death and now, 14 years later, her family is still fighting for justice. Today, her aunt Anna
Amy Wensley: Domestic Violence, Coercive Control and the Warning Signs Before Her Murder - Part 1
On her last day, she called her mum and said she was leaving him. She packed her bags, put her daughters in the car, and started the engine. She raced back inside to grab something. She never made it out.Her name is Amy Lee Wensley. She was only 24.There were failures throughout the investigation into her death and now, 14 years later, her family is still fighting for justice. Today, her aunt Anna
Holly Anne Davidson: Police Protection, Domestic Violence and the Fight for Justice - Part 2
He tells me he believes he will kill me, that that’s how it will end. He hates me. How can I stand to be in a house with someone who hates me, he ask’s.' She wrote these words in her diary on June 31, 2019. Her name is Holly Anne Davidson. She died nine months later. She was only 38. Holly was a police officer. Her abuser still is a police officer. The police force protected him and thr
Holly Anne Davidson: Domestic Violence, Police Failure and a Woman's Death - Part 1
He tells me he believes he will kill me, that that’s how it will end. He hates me. How can I stand to be in a house with someone who hates me, he ask’s.' She wrote these words in her diary on June 31, 2019. Her name is Holly Anne Davidson. She died nine months later. She was only 38. Holly was a police officer. Her abuser still is a police officer. The police force protected him and thr
Courtney Paige Anderson: Police Failures, Death and the Fight for Justice - Part 2
She was loving her life, building a career in the mining industry, spending time with her family and friends, planning getaways and haircuts. Most importantly, she looked forward to a life free of violence. Then, on a dark lonely highway, she was killed. Her name is Courtney Paige Anderson. She was only 28. The police failed to investigate properly, so her family have become the detectives -
Courtney Paige Anderson: Domestic Violence, Suspicious Death and a Family Seeking Answers - Part 1
She was loving her life, building a career in the mining industry, spending time with her family and friends, planning getaways and haircuts. Most importantly, she looked forward to a life free of violence. Then, on a dark lonely highway, she was killed. Her name is Courtney Paige Anderson. She was only 28. The police failed to investigate properly, so her family have become the detectives -
Jacqueline Lee Purton: Domestic Violence, Femicide and the Fight for Justice
All she wanted was stability, a home for her children, a paddock for her horses and love. He gave her nothing but heartbreak and terror. Her name is Jacqueline (Jacqui) Lee Purton. She was 37. Her daughter Shakira and her mother Leanne talk about how the legal system and media failed them and Jacqui and how Jacqui's life, death and legacy. This episode is not suitable for children and discusses do
Nikkita Azzopardi: The Murder of a Woman Loved by Her Family - Part 1
She lived her life to the fullest, skydiving, travelling, food, fun.She was the glue that held her family together. On her 35th birthday, she told them about her new partner. Six months later, her dad and brother broke into their home, they found her dead.Her name is Nikkita Azzopardi. Her brother Shaun, sister Farrah, and cousin Priya join me today to share her story.This season of She Matters is
Courtney Herron: The Murder of a Young Melbourne Woman
At the intersection of Johnston and Gore in Collingwood, the face of a young smiling woman beams across passers-by. Say her name to any Melbournian and they'll tell you what they were doing when they heard the news about her murder. Her name is Courtney Herron. She was only 25.Today, Courtney's mum Maxi and baby sister Sian speak publicly for the first time about their person. There's is not an ea
Talon Jai-Grace Hehir: The Murder of an 8-Month-Old Baby and the Fight for Justice
Every night, she cries herself to sleep. A mum deprived of her baby daughter. A mum deprived of answers and justice. Her daughter's name is Talon Jai-Grace Hehir. She was only 8 months old. Talon's mum Kayla and her grandfather Tony tell her story and the battles they've faced in bringing the little girl's killer to justice. This season of She Matters is supported by Verve Super, c
Kelly Williams: Domestic Violence, Murder and the Fight for a Coronial Inquest
A man heard the violence behind the wall. He did not help her. Her sister found the single mum days later. The smell of her favourite human decaying forever lingers in her memory. Her murder warranted no more than three lines in one newspaper. Her killer still walks among us.Her name is Kelly Williams (Duffy). She was only 31. You've never heard of her but it's not for want of tryin
She Matters
This is not a true crime podcast. It's a lives lived, lives loved and lives lost to violence podcast. Each week, journalist Sherele Moody brings you the heartbreaking stories from the frontline of our femicide epidemic. As told by HER family, learn about the traits and experiences that made her unique, learn about the place she holds in her loved one's lives, understand the impact of the crim
