We never dreamed he would kill her: Allison Baden-Clay’s family on her final days

Seven years on from Allison Baden-Clay’s murder, her sister Vanessa Fowler has spoken out about the domestic abuse that her sister suffered in the final months of her life in a bid to save other families from the grief that hers has suffered.

In 2012, Allison was reported missing by her husband Gerard Baden-Clay. He claimed that Allison went for a walk the night before and never returned. Her body was found 10 days later under a bridge near their family home.

Speaking candidly to The Australian Women’s Weekly, Vanessa said her sister’s husband Gerard was “aloof” at family events, but she “never dreamed that he would have it in him to actually murder her”.

Vanessa said she only learned that Allison had been in an abusive relationship when details of their troubled marriage were laid bare in court.

“We felt that Allison was strong enough to handle what went on behind closed doors,” Vanessa said. “She was very strong and very determined — very determined to raise her three children in the way that she wanted.”

Read more: Allison Baden-Clay’s daughters honour her memory in first appearance

In the final months of her life, Vanessa said her family were aware that the mother-of-three was becoming increasingly isolated from them but couldn’t have guessed at how serious it was. She said the family was worried that he would take it out on Allison and the girls if they ever interfered.

“Withdrawing is a red flag in itself. If we had known what the signs were, we may have been more determined to intervene, rather than letting her tell us that everything was OK,” she said. “There are lots of should have, could have, would have scenarios that go around in our heads.”

Determined to protect her sister’s legacy, Vanessa set up a foundation in Allison’s name in the hope that through sharing her sister’s story, she would help others. Launched in 2014, the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation aims to educate people about family and domestic violence.

Read more: Another blow for grieving family of Allison Baden-Clay

Gerard, a former real estate agent, is now serving a life sentence for Allison’s murder with a non-parole period of 15 years. He initially pleaded not guilty to murdering his 43-year-old wife. Gerard had previously admitted to having three affairs during his 15-year marriage to Allison.

If you are concerned about domestic and family violence in your family, friends or workplace, contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732, Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978, Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277 or Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 for confidential support, advice and referral that will help you explore your options.

Do you remember the tragic news of Allison’s murder at the time? Do you think Australia has more work to do on preventing domestic abuse?