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Kelly Wilkinson knew she was in danger. She had a code phrase ready—"I'm considering moving back to Ohio"—to signal to her family that her life was at risk. But before she could use it, her worst fears came true.

This episode delves into a story of domestic abuse, systemic negligence, and a preventable tragedy. We explore how societal and institutional failures contribute to these heartbreaking outcomes and why Australia, with its relatively smaller population, sees approximately one woman per week killed by an intimate partner.

How can we hold systems accountable for their role in failing victims? And what needs to change to ensure no other family endures this pain?

What You’ll Learn:

• Who was Kelly Wilkinson?
• Family code words and safety planning in domestic violence situations
• The role systemic failures played in Kelly’s preventable murder.
• The scheme behind Brian Earl Johnston's abuse of Kelly.
• How police negligence and judicial complacency left Kelly unprotected.
• The social and institutional issues of domestic violence in Australia.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “If a mother is being abused, then guess what? So are the children. Even if it's just that they're witnessing their mother being abused, that's abuse.” - Tressa Brady
• “Australia is a country of about 26 million people, so less than Florida's population. And yet, approximately one woman a week is murdered by an intimate partner.” - Tressa Brady
• “Leave no trace. Don't warn them. Don't meet up with them to talk or give them closure. Don't give them one last chance because the best predictor of the future is the past. Get out, but do so safely.” - Tressa Brady

Resources

• Kelly Wilkinson's estranged husband jailed for life over her murder on the Gold Coast in 2021 - ABC News
• Kelly Wilkinson: Devastated family of 'beautiful soul' violently killed says justice was not served
• The legal process has ended, but Kelly Wilkinson’s family are still looking for answers - ABC News
• Bradley Bell pleads not guilty to the murder of Kelly Wilkinson, accused of 'aiding' husband - ABC News
• Bradley Bell acquitted of murder of Gold Coast woman Kelly Wilkinson - ABC News