Daughter of Murder Victim Speaks Out

Topic: Domestic Violence

Sunday, 9 August 2026, at 7:49 am

Romany Wake is a well-known advocate against family violence in Tasmania. She is pictured with her mum, Rachel.

In short:

Romany Wake says the long legal process is making it hard for her to heal after her mum's murder.

Her dad, Darren Wake, is appealing his sentence, and it has been over two years since he started the process.

What's next?

The case will be back in court on Friday.

It has been almost five years since Romany Wake's dad murdered her mum, and she is still dealing with the legal system.

Darren Wake says his 26-year prison sentence is too long, and he wants it reduced.

The appeal process has been slow because of problems with legal aid funding and who will represent Darren Wake.

Darren Wake's appeal will be back in court on Friday.

Romany Wake is pictured with her mum, Rachel, who was killed by her partner on Christmas Day 2021.

Romany Wake runs a social media page called Rachel's Voice, where she talks about her feelings on the appeal.

Romany Wake wants to be done with the legal system.

'It's very painful' for recent victims and families

So far this year, 29 women have been killed, according to a group that tracks these crimes.

A recent incident in Tasmania has shocked the community.

A man stabbed his partner and then crashed his car, killing himself and another woman.

Romany Wake says it's harder for her to hear about local incidents.

She asks why families have to go through the legal system after such tragedies.

Romany Wake feels pain for those who are going through the same thing, and she knows how hard the system is.

Romany Wake is tired of politicians promising to act after tragedies but not doing anything.

She sees a pattern in how Australia talks about women and children who are killed by men.

A lawyer says that long legal processes can have a big impact on victims' families.

It can stop them from moving on from their trauma.

Where to get help:

Advocacy amid grief

Romany Wake is a prominent advocate against family violence and has campaigned for changes.

She set up a scholarship in her mum's name for midwifery students.

Rachel Wake was a beloved midwife.

Friends of Rachel Wake held up a photo of her outside court.

Romany Wake has also campaigned for changes to the restraining order process.

She had to get a restraining order against her dad, but it was denied.

The process brought back bad memories and trauma for Romany Wake.

Rachel Wake

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