Latest news with #domesticviolence
ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
Logan woman Cassandra Joy Torrens charged with murder of her son, Jakob Michael Casey
A woman has been charged with the murder of her son after they were both found semiconscious at a house south of Brisbane, and he later died. Cassandra Joy Torrens, 40, faced court on Wednesday over the alleged murder of 18-year-old Jakob Michael Casey. Queensland police said emergency services were called to a home at Marbura Court in Daisy Hill on May 30. The pair were found semiconscious and were taken to Logan Hospital, then placed in induced comas. Police said Ms Torrens recovered on June 1, but her son, who lived with disability, died three days later, on June 4. Ms Torrens was initially charged with attempted murder, and the charge was upgraded to murder following Jakob's death. Police confirmed it was being treated as a domestic-related incident. Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Cunningham said a crime scene had been established at the Logan home. "Our investigators have worked methodically to gather evidence and support the victim's extended family through this complex and confronting investigation. "Our thoughts are with the young man's loved ones and those in the community who continue to grieve this loss." If you need help immediately call emergency services on triple-0 A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said police needed to consider "a number of sensitivities … which required investigators to exercise discretion in releasing details at the time of the initial attempted murder charge". "This approach was taken to protect the privacy and welfare of those involved, particularly while both people involved remained in hospital," they said. "As this matter is now before the courts, police will not be commenting further on this investigation." The matter was mentioned at Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday and adjourned to August 20. Ms Torrens was remanded in custody.
Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah women, baby deaths spark urgent call for mental health support, abuse awareness
In the wake of recent tragic deaths in Sharjah, experts and social workers are calling for urgent awareness about the emotional impact of domestic violence and the critical need for timely mental health support. The first involved a young Indian mother and her infant daughter, in a case authorities are investigating as a possible suicide linked to prolonged abuse. Just nine days later, 30-year-old Indian woman Athulya Shekhar was found dead in her apartment near Rolla Park. These incidents have prompted difficult but necessary conversations about the hidden struggles many women endure in silence, often without access to support or even the awareness that help exists. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Abdullah Kamampalam, a social worker based in Sharjah, said this case is a painful reminder of how silent suffering can have unimaginable consequences. 'We are urging people to reach out to a trusted friend, relative, or professional before it's too late. If someone is facing any form of abuse, they must know they are not alone and support is available,' he said. Hidden toll of abuse Khaleej Times spoke to mental health experts who highlighted how domestic abuse, especially when prolonged, can deeply affect victims' psychological wellbeing. When victims are isolated from their support system — whether due to geographic distance from family or social stigma — the impact can be devastating. ' Prolonged domestic abuse can lead to major depression and feelings of helplessness,' said Dr Bino Mary Chacko, specialist psychiatrist at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi. 'It reduces a woman's self-worth, heightens her suicide risk, and often leads to learned helplessness, a psychological state where the victim feels unable to escape or seek help.' For women living abroad, the burden is often heavier. Carolyn Yaffe, a counsellor and cognitive behaviour therapist at Medcare Camali Clinic, said being far from family or familiar support networks can compound the emotional distress. 'Over time, victims may suffer from anxiety, PTSD, and a gradual erosion of their self-esteem,' she said. When children are involved, the emotional burden for the parent becomes heavier and the consequences extend to the next generation. 'Witnessing abuse can cause depression and anxiety in children, and sometimes even lead to personality disorders in the future,' said Dr Chacko. 'Parents are often torn between protecting their child and fearing the legal or emotional consequences of leaving.' Experts said that many victims fear custody battles, social stigma, or legal complications. 'They feel trapped, but every small step toward safety can make a profound difference for both parent and child,' said Yaffe. Why victims hesitate to speak up One of the most pressing questions that arises from such cases is: why do victims stay silent? Cultural pressure, fear of judgment, and deep-rooted social norms often discourage survivors from speaking out. 'Shame, fear of not being believed, or worries about losing their children often silence women,' said Dr Chacko. 'Even parents may advise their daughters to stay and compromise for the sake of the family.' 'Silence doesn't mean acceptance — it often means survival,' added Yaffe. 'Victims have often been manipulated into believing they are overreacting. It's important for communities to build safe, nonjudgmental spaces where people feel supported to speak up.' Recognising the signs Both experts highlighted the role of friends, colleagues, and neighbours in identifying early warning signs. 'Changes in mood, talk of hopelessness, poor performance at work, or sudden social withdrawal can all be red flags,' said Dr Chacko. 'Pay attention and intervene gently.' Yaffe suggested a simple yet powerful approach: 'A message like 'You don't seem like yourself. I am here if you ever want to talk' can open a door. Don't push. Just be there consistently.' Social worker Kamampalam also stressed the importance of normalising conversations around abuse and mental health. 'We should encourage victims to seek professional help, whether through counsellors or hotlines. Early support can save lives.' Message for silent sufferers Leaving a heartfelt message for those in similar situations, Yaffe said: 'To anyone who is silently suffering, you are not alone. Your pain is real, and there is a way forward, even if it feels invisible right now. Every step matters. Healing is possible. Freedom is possible. And you deserve to feel safe and respected.' 'Recognise the warning signs. Speak up early. And remember, help is out there,' added Yaffe. Meanwhile, Kamampalam urged residents to speak to a trusted professional or contact local support centres. 'There are many support groups and hospitals offers counselling services and it is confidential as well."
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Browns' Quinshon Judkins arrest report shows disturbing allegations
The post Browns' Quinshon Judkins arrest report shows disturbing allegations appeared first on ClutchPoints. The arrest report for Cleveland Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins has emerged, and the details are not making the former Ohio State Buckeye look great. Advertisement According to the report, Judkins' accuser claims he punched her in the chin/lip area with a closed fist. Additionally, Judkins allegedly hit her in the left arm and thigh while in a car after leaving the airport on Monday, July 7, 2025. Judkins was released from jail on Sunday, July 13, 2025. His bond was set to $2,500. He also took part in a bond hearing before being released. Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins' arrest On Saturday, July 11, 2025, Judkins was arrested in Fort Lauderdale for misdemeanor battery/domestic violence. He was initially held without bond. We will have to wait and see how his arrest affects his future with the Browns. He was just drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Advertisement Judkins played college football at Ohio State. In his three seasons with the Buckeyes, Judkins logged over 3,785 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns. He also had over 440 receiving yards and five touchdowns through the air. During his collegiate career, Judkins was named Freshman All-American. He was also named SEC Freshman of the Year and the Conerly Trophy for his freshman season. He was also named First-team All-SEC in 2023 and 2023. The Buckeyes were a powerhouse with Judkins. They won the College Football National Championship in 2024, beating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Judkins rushed for 100 yards and two scores in the victory to cap off a huge season and set up his Browns selection in the second round. Related: Browns' Denzel Ward earns 'best' honor from Ja'Marr Chase Advertisement Related: More details emerge in Quinshon Judkins battery case after release from jail
SBS Australia
13 hours ago
- Health
- SBS Australia
'They have nowhere to go': The Australians at the centre of a housing 'emergency'
This article contains references to domestic and family violence. Women and girls are at the centre of a homelessness crisis which has reached "emergency proportions" across Australia, the country's peak body has warned. The number of women and girls seeking homelessness services each month increased by 14 per cent between May 2022 — when the Albanese government was first elected — and March this year, according to analysis by Homelessness Australia. The number of women and girls seeking assistance who were already homeless increased by 20 per cent — from 24,517 in May 2022 to 29,449 in March this year. "What that reveals is more women and girls are not getting the support they need to avoid homelessness," Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia, told SBS News. "They're not getting early intervention, and they're coming to homeless services already having exhausted perhaps their friends, their family networks. "They have nowhere to go. And then, the reality is homeless services don't have the resources they need to provide safe accommodation for women and girls in that situation." The number of women and girls seeking support who were at risk of homelessness was also up 8 per cent. Overall, it said around 45 per cent of these women and girls have experienced domestic and family violence, referencing AIHW data. 'Emergency proportions' Colvin said homelessness across the country has reached "emergency proportions". "We have hundreds of people every day pushed out of the housing market into homelessness, and then not able to get back into housing," she said. "The situation just keeps getting worse and worse." The peak body attributes women and families being pushed further into crisis to rising rents, domestic violence and a lack of early intervention. Meanwhile, overwhelmed services are being forced to make difficult decisions around who to help and who to turn away. Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities Clare O'Neil said Australia is "confronting a housing crisis which has been building for 40 years". "It's affecting the lives of millions of Australians, and the most urgent and disturbing part of it is the rising homelessness all of us can see in our own communities," she said. Our staff are 'forced to triage' Frances Crimmins is the CEO of YWCA Canberra, a specialist women and children's homeless service provider. "Normally, what we find is that if they haven't already presented with domestic and family violence as the cause of their homelessness [we later learn after building trust] it has often formed part of the reason they have become homeless," Crimmins said. YWCA Canberra leases 60 properties from the ACT government, and has 19 of its own — some of which have been provided by the federal government specifically for women and children escaping domestic and family violence. They are all full. "The current level of demand just keeps on increasing, and so our staff are forced to triage," Crimmins said. Triaging refers to making decisions about which clients to prioritise in offering support. Supporting women and children escaping violence may include safety planning and preparing a vacant property. If there is no accommodation, it may involve safety planning to return to living with a perpetrator until housing becomes available. For some victim-survivors, a lack of housing options may lead them to stay in, or return to, a violent relationship. Source: AAP / Diego Fedele Family and domestic violence is the main reason women and children leave their homes, according to the AIHW. Many of them experience housing insecurity, and in some cases, homelessness. For some victim-survivors, a lack of housing options may lead them to stay in, or return to, a violent relationship. "That's a really sad fact … it can often be known that [a woman] might know the perpetrator's behaviour, and that can often be less risky than the unknown, which is sleeping rough or in a car with your children," Crimmins said. When it comes to transitioning clients out into the community, Crimmins said a lack of social and affordable housing has left them "stuck". "It's nearly impossible for us, currently, to transition women with three or more children," she said. "We are stuck. We know we have other women we need to accommodate, but we can't exit those women and children back into homelessness. That's what the staff are managing every day." Crimmins called for a "big uptick" in social housing to provide more exit pathways. "We need it urgently," she said. Calls for more social housing, a national plan O'Neil said the government has a particular focus on crisis housing. "We're making a record investment of over $1.2 billion in crisis housing and last term, we delivered a 45 per cent boost to rent assistance which helped a million Australians struggling to pay their rent," she said. She said the most important action for the Commonwealth is building more social and affordable homes. "We're delivering 55,000 new desperately needed social and affordable homes — 28,000 are under construction or planning right now. Every one of these homes will change the life of an Australian family." Colvin said the government's commitments are "certainly very welcome" after over a decade of underinvestment in social and affording housing. "The thing is they're not sufficient to catch up to where we need to be," she said. The latest annual report from the government's National Housing Supply and Affordability Council, released in May, said a "significant uplift" was needed to support Australians who depend on social and affordable housing. In 2021, this proportion of households was around 4 per cent. The report recommended governments and the private and not-for-profit sectors commit to restore the proportion of the housing stock over the medium term to 6 per cent. A long-term target should be as high as 10 per cent, it said. Homelessness Australia is also calling for an increase in social housing to 10 per cent of all dwellings — one of three "critical actions" included in its plan to address rising homelessness that was launched on Tuesday. The peak body is also calling for a national housing and homelessness plan to set reduction targets and guide major reforms, along with new investment in services in partnership with states and territories. The government is developing a housing and homelessness plan as part of its housing strategy, with consultation taking place in its first term. It's understood this work remains a priority. If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit In an emergency, call 000.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
Man arrested for impersonating a federal agent and entering an Indy hospital with a knife
This story contains mention of domestic violence. Abuse can be reported by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Deputies with Marion County Sheriff's Office arrested a man on July 20 for impersonating a public servant after he allegedly flashed a "Homeland Security" badge to enter an Indianapolis hospital with a knife. Deputies arrested and preliminarily charged the man with impersonating a public servant, domestic battery in the presence of a minor, domestic battery and intimidation, after investigating a potential domestic violence case at a local hospital, according to court documents. IndyStar is not naming the man because they were not formally charged at the time of publication. A sheriff's officer was called in for assistance after a woman informed hospital staff that she feared for her life and the safety of her 4-year-old son due to the violent behavior and domestic abuse history of her son's father, according to court records. The man had accompanied her and allegedly struck the woman while en route to the hospital. Upon arrival, the man flashed a "Homeland Security" badge to the hospital security, who allowed him to walk through the hospital's metal detectors with a knife, according to court documents. The woman informed the officer the law enforcement badge he used to bypass hospital security was fake. After learning of this information, an officer escorted the woman and her son to Riley Hospital for Children, before returning to the hospital to interview the man, who had been waiting in the emergency department. The officer asked the man for his badge and any official documentation that would confirm his affiliation with Homeland Security. The man complied, handing over his fake badge, his knife and his state-issued driver's license. He told the officer that he did not have agency credentials on him, according to court documents. The officer then questioned the authenticity of the badge, which led the man to admit that it was actually a movie prop and that he only flashed the badge to hospital security because he "wanted to show it off to my kid," according to court documents. The man denied striking the woman while en route to the hospital, but admitted that he had struck her in the past, according to court documents. The Marion County Sheriff officer then took the man in custody and arrested him. As of this morning, the man is still being held at the Marion County jail, but has not been officially charged by the Marion County Prosecutor's Office. Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@ follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @ This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Man arrested for impersonating a federal agent at Indy hospital
