Justin Turner pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court sitting at Warrnambool to manslaughter after his partner Kylie Cay died from injuries he inflicted. He was jailed for 12 years with a minimum nine years to serve before being eligible for parole.​ 

Domestic violence deaths have seemed so removed from our region until now. This happened in our own backyard. We shouldn’t be surprised because the number of reported incidents has been rising. Crime Statistics Agency data shows family violence incidents reported to Warrnambool police almost doubled from 2012 to 2016. The data is shocking and unacceptable. 

There has been more awareness about domestic violence and an improved response from police. But Ms Cay’s death must make us all sit up and take notice that as a community we have a problem needing urgent and sustained action.

In sentencing Turner, Justice Kevin Bell said it clearly. “Ms Cay and all other women have an inviolable human right to life, to equality – not just the appearance of equality but to real equality, to physical and emotional integrity, to respect for their dignity and personal autonomy, to loving relationships with children and others, and to freedom from fear of physical or mental harm.”

He said the sentencing process also had a role to play in positively influencing how the community, and especially men, valued, respected and treated women. For the community as a whole to address domestic violence we need to look at and address gender stereotypes and sexist attitudes towards women. We also need to be clear that domestic violence is a decision that some men make.

Domestic Violence Victoria chief executive officer Fiona McCormack said it was crucial society understood being alcohol affected or in a fit of rage were not causes of domestic violence. We must also pay tribute and remember all the women who die as a result of domestic violence.

And remember women like Ms Cay, who loved Monty Python and AC/DC, was a champion student runner and community historian.

Justice Bell said the measure of her life was the love she gave to others and that others gave to her, most especially her children, which were her perpetual gift to them, and which she took with her to her grave.