The Battered Wife chip shop forced to close after ‘abusive witch hunt’

The owner of The Battered Wife fish and chip shop in Far North Queensland has been forced to shut up shop after becoming the subject of an “abusive witch hunt”.

Carolyn Kerr’s small business in Wangan, about 9 kilometres south of Innisfail, came under intense scrutiny late last year for its controversial name and its slogan “the only battering you need know”.

The former police officer received a flurry of complaints from concerned Australians, who accused her of making light of domestic violence.

Despite Kerr explaining on Today at the time, that she was actually trying to raise awareness for domestic violence and the terrible situations many people are in, the complaints and alleged abuse have become all too much for the business owner.

In a heartbreaking post shared on Facebook on Tuesday, Kerr, who is a domestic violence survivor herself, informed followers she would be closing the doors of her beloved shop for the final time next week following months of alleged harassment from a not-for-profit organisation.

The devastated business owner explained she is filled with sadness following the decision to cease trading but can no longer deal with the threats and abuse endured.

“As many of you know, I have been the subject of an abusive witch hunt by a not-for-profit organisation, well more than one, who are anti abuse,” a heartbroken Kerr said.

“They threatened to throw bricks through my window, they complained to ASIC to have my business name revoked; I got through that one. And then they complained to Industrial Relations and Child Protective Services, anonymously of course.

“They said I was employing kids and was participating in child exploitation. I jumped through that hoop, that was the Friday before Christmas.”

Kerr went on to explain that an additional anonymous complaint was made just last week to the Department of Fair Work, which, according to Kerr, will now carry out an audit on her soon-to-be-closed business.

The Queenslander says her insurance doesn’t cover audits of this type, meaning she could find herself out of pocket should it go ahead.

“I don’t know how much the accountants going to cost me to get the information together to jump through the hoops,” she explained as she tried to fight back tears. “I just can’t see any way that I can trade my way through it.”

The tirade of accusations first began in November of last year when a number of people took aim at the name of the shop on social media.

This included not-for-profit organisation The Woman’s Electoral Lobby, which claimed Kerr was making a joke out of the situation that led to the death of 69 women across the country last year.

In a since deleted post the organisation wrote: “This is a fish and chip shop in far north Queensland – it’s called ‘The Battered Wife’. This indicated the scope of things that need to change in Australia for us to really see societal and cultural change and a reduction in violence against women and children. This is not clever, or funny. Family violence is no joke.”

Speaking out following the initial outrage Kerr told Today, she knew it was going to be a controversial name, but to suggest it promoted domestic violence was “ludicrous”.

‘The Battered Wife’ fish and chip shop’s slogan is ‘The only battering anyone need know’. The owner is being criticised for condoning domestic violence but she says she’s creating awareness. What do you think? #9Today pic.twitter.com/rmjSWsAhCj

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) October 31, 2018

“It is a serious problem in our society and it needs help and no one seems to be standing up for it, this is my little way of digging my heels in a bit and saying enough is enough,” she said. “Our little shelter in Innisfail, I’ve been told, they have had their funding pretty much cut off. Up here there is virtually nothing. It’s so difficult, it’s heartbreaking to see the people go through this.”

Next week will mark the end of business for Kerr as she now searches for someone to purchase the shop. However, this is not without the support from many in her local community, who shared touching messages on Kerr’s Facebook announcement.

Read more: ‘The Battered Wife’: Fish and chip shop sparks debate with controversial name

“Well done to all the PC snowflakes who didn’t take the time to research as to why this business was called what it was. Because of your stupid ignorance you have broken down a business and a person from making a living and doing what they love,” one person wrote.

“This is a load of shit and all this crap needs to stop! This poor lady is only trying to run a business in a small town, who frankly don’t see a problem with the name. Keep your head high darl! The town has your back!” another said.

While a third added: “It’s been a war against you for too long and the knives have been out from a group of people who can’t possibly have you operating against their wishes”.

Starts at 60 has contacted The Women’s Electoral Lobby for comment.

What are your thoughts on the fish and chip shop name? Do you think it is offensive or a good way of raising awareness of domestic violence?