Dr Ann O’Neill thought her estranged husband was moving on when he finally signed divorce papers. Days later, he killed their two young children. In the first episode of There’s No Place Like Home: After she leaves, Tara Rae Moss shares Dr O’Neill’s story and investigates perpetrators who commit “the ultimate act of revenge” post-separation. 

• Subscribe on Spotify or Apple
• Visit the official website
• Keep up with FW on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn and join FW to unlock professional development, training and community
• Learn more about CommBank Next Chapter
• If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family and sexual violence, contact 1800RESPECT, the national service for free and confidential counselling, information and support. Call 1800 737 732 or chat online 24/7 at www.1800respect.org.au 
• If you or someone you know is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person in need of a culturally safe support line, you can call 13YARN (13 92 76)
• In an emergency, or if you are not feeling safe, always call the police on 000

There’s No Place Like Home is a podcast by FW, made in collaboration with our proud partner, Commonwealth Bank, who are committed to helping end financial abuse through CommBank Next Chapter. No matter who you bank with, if you’re worried about your finances because of domestic and family violence, you can contact CommBank’s Next Chapter Team on 1800 222 387 within Australia or visit commbank.com.au/nextchapter. 

Episode chapters: 

• 00:00:00 – Introduction & Content Warning
  Covers the content warning, description of the episode's sensitive subjects, sponsor declaration, and acknowledgment of Aboriginal land.
• 00:00:41 – Opening & Season Overview
  Host Tara Moss introduces herself, lays out the theme for season three, and contextualises the dangers of post-separation abuse.
• 00:04:50 – The Story of Dr Ann O'Neill
  Introduction to Dr Anne O'Neill’s story, background on her relationship and escalating abuse, her decision to leave, and the tragic events that followed.
• 00:10:00 – Post-separation Escalation and Systemic Risks
  Discussion by experts and Anne about post-separation escalation, coercive control, legal responses, and common risk factors.
• 00:15:00 – The Ultimate Act of Revenge
  Analysis of the patterns leading to fatal violence, perpetrator psychology, and “payback” as motivation.
• 00:18:04 – Not Just Ann: Broader Impacts & Statistics
  Statistics on domestic violence in Australia, introduction of Connor Pall, and the experiences of children as victims in their own right. 
• 00:20:00 – Connor Pall’s Story
  Connor shares his personal experiences growing up amidst family violence, insights on how children navigate abuse, and systemic failures.
• 00:25:00 – Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
  The host reflects on intervention, acts of kindness in support systems, previews the next episode, and provides resources.
• 00:25:59 – Credits and Resources
  Credits, sponsors, and support information

Sources:

1. Publisher’s note: For the first few months of 2024, a woman was being murdered every 4 days at the hands of a violent man. Official statistics referenced in this podcast do not yet reflect this increase.
2. The number of women being killed by a current or former partner every week: Calculated from Bricknell, S. (2023). Homicide in Australia 2020–21. Statistical Report No. 42. Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology.
3. A significant number of people only begin abusing their partner after they become pregnant: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Pregnant people and family, domestic and sexual violence. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/population-groups/pregnant-people
4. An estimated 4.2 million people aged 18 years and over have experienced violence, emotional abuse, or economic abuse by a cohabiting partner since the age of 15: Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Personal safety, Australia, 2021–22. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/personal-safety-australia/2021-22
5. Publisher’s note: The number of perpetrators is known, however research has been commissioned to increase understanding: Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety. (2024). ANROWS unveils $2 million investment for research into domestic and family violence perpetrators. Retrieved from https://www.anrows.org.au/media-releases/anrows-unveils-2-million-investment-for-research-into-domestic-and-family-violence-perpetrators/