A tragic case of domestic violence has sparked a crucial conversation about police risk assessment. Could Maryam Hamka's death have been prevented?
Maryam Hamka's life was tragically cut short at the hands of her partner, Toby Loughnane, in a shocking murder that has left many questioning the system. But here's where it gets controversial: the coroner believes the police could have done more.
In April 2021, Hamka, aged 36, was murdered by Loughnane in Melbourne's southeast. Weeks before this horrific event, Loughnane had chased Hamka with a knife, prompting a police response. Despite his history of domestic violence, the incident was triaged as medium risk by the Victoria Police Family Violence Investigation Unit.
State Coroner Liberty Sanger's findings reveal a critical oversight. She argues that Loughnane's extensive history of family violence should have triggered a high-risk classification and specialist attention. But the police report, surprisingly, noted no previous family violence reports, despite Loughnane's violent past.
Loughnane eventually murdered Hamka and buried her body in a shallow grave. He was sentenced to 28 years in prison, with 20 years non-parole. Judge Sanger suggests that while the risk assessment rating may not have directly prevented Hamka's death, it could have highlighted the severity of Loughnane's violent tendencies.
The coroner's report raises important questions: Should police rely solely on risk assessment tools, or should professional judgment play a more significant role? Loughnane had been flagged for family violence 21 times by Victoria Police and had a history of violent offenses, court order breaches, and high-risk monitoring involving other women.
Judge Sanger recommends an independent evaluation of Victoria Police's risk assessment models and Family Violence Investigation Units, potentially leading to improved policies and practices. This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of domestic violence cases and the need for constant evaluation and improvement in police procedures.
Note: Support services are available for those affected by domestic violence. Reach out for help and support.
