The death of Donald’s Layla Jeffery was one of four incidents of women or girls being killed in Australia within days.

While the Donald community continues to mourn Layla, her death is part of a bigger picture of the nationwide crisis of males killing females – mostly known to them. 

I know this doesn’t sit well with many men. It’s confronting, uncomfortable and for many, feels targeted.

But the facts don’t lie.

It is not all men – most are not killing anyone, let alone the women in their lives that they love.

But there is no doubt we have a problem.

Anti-violence advocate Sherele Moody documents and tracks the killing of Australian women and children and provides support for homicide victims via The Red Heart Movement and Australian Femicide Watch.

Australia has lost more than 1300 women and girls to acts of violence since 2000. 

She said those four deaths – Jana from Newtown, Queensland, on July 7;  13-year-old Layla Jeffery on July 4, a 17-year-old unnamed girl on July 6 and 39-year-old mother Lavanya Chappa on July 7 – was a prime example of what a femicide epidemic looked like.

“Jana, Lavanya, Layla, the unnamed girl – indeed all victims of femicide – deserve a national truth-telling. Their families deserve to be heard at a Royal Commission into the Killing of Women and Girls,” she wrote.

Her petition on change.org calling for a Royal Commission has attracted more than 137,00 signatures so far.

Another group to highlight the link between Layla’s death and the issue of violence against women and girls is Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, WHLM, the sister body to Women’s Health Grampians, who delivers the Communities of Respect and Equality, CoRE, Alliance throughout the region.

‘Every girl has the right to grow up safe, respected and free from violence, harm and fear’ – Women’s Health Loddon Mallee said.

It’s a simple statement that should be a given, but unfortunately it is not.

Preventing violence requires sustained collective action. 

Communities, organisations, schools, workplaces, leaders and individuals all have a role to play in promoting equality, respect and safety. 

Women’s health organisations remain committed to advancing gender equality and working alongside communities to create a future where all women and girls are safe, respected, valued and free from violence. 

But what exactly does it take to make this happen?

WHLM chief executive Kellie Dunn said gender inequality was a key driver of violence against women and girls, and advancing equality was fundamental to creating safer communities. “Through advancing gender equality, fostering respectful relationships, strengthening community leadership and mobilising collective action, we can help create communities across our region where women and girls are safe, respected and able to thrive,” she said.

Ms Dunn said the loss of a child was a tragedy beyond comprehension, and the organisation stood alongside Layla’s family, friends and the Donald community in grief and solidarity during a time of deep loss.

“We acknowledge the profound 
grief, shock and heartbreak being 
experienced by Layla’s loved ones, her peers and the wider community,” she said

As an organisation dedicated to advancing gender equality and creating the conditions for women and girls to be safe, respected and able to thrive, Ms Dunn said WHLM recognised the devastating impact violence had on individuals, families and communities. 

“We cannot accept violence as inevitable. Every woman and girl has the right to live safely, with dignity, respect and equality,” she said.

“As we mourn the loss of Layla, we are reminded that preventing violence requires sustained action to advance gender equality, strengthen respectful relationships and create the conditions for all women and girls to thrive.” 

People needing support can call 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732; Lifeline – 13 11 14; Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800; or Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636.

The entire July 22, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!