The coroner for the Northern Territory has released a report containing ten recommendations following the 2023 death of Ralph Donald. In a tragic incident, Donald shot his former partner, Eileen Gibbons, in his yard before taking his own life.
The coroner has urged the government to boost financial resources for the domestic and family violence sector and to implement legislative modifications concerning firearms searches. The findings emphasize the critical importance of recognizing coercive control in relationships.
On October 3, 2023, Ralph Donald, aged 35, ended his life in the front yard of his home in the northern suburbs of Darwin after severely injuring Gibbons, who was left with life-threatening wounds. During the inquest held in August of the previous year, it was revealed that Gibbons had visited Donald’s residence to collect items for their 11-month-old daughter when the shooting occurred.
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Coroner Elisabeth Armitage stated in her report that insufficient action was taken to support Donald or safeguard Gibbons before the incident. She noted that prior to the shooting, law enforcement received seven reports concerning the dynamics of their relationship, yet no Domestic Violence Order (DVO) was issued. The coroner highlighted that had an interim DVO been enacted, Donald’s firearms license would have been automatically suspended.
Judge Armitage criticized the police for failing to understand the severity of Donald’s escalating behavior, which fell under the category of coercive control. Evidence presented during the inquest indicated that Donald exhibited controlling behaviors, including verbal abuse and withholding personal items from Gibbons.
Moreover, the coroner pointed out that Donald struggled with alcohol use and was found to be acutely intoxicated at the time of the shooting. She emphasized that despite never having been charged with violent offenses or subjected to a DVO, Donald’s actions on that day marked a significant turning point in his behavior.
During the inquest, it was revealed that police made two mandatory reports to the Department of Children and Families concerning the situation, but these reports lacked crucial details, such as the presence of firearms in the household. Following Donald’s death, the Northern Territory police have introduced Prevent Assist Respond training (PARt) to better equip officers in recognizing coercive control.
Judge Armitage mentioned that improvements in training have enabled officers to identify when to initiate a DVO. A senior constable who interacted with Gibbons prior to the shooting acknowledged that he now understands the situation as coercive control and would have sought a DVO had he been aware of the dynamics at play.
Furthermore, the Northern Territory’s Domestic and Family Violence Act has been revised to include a definition of coercive control, as noted by the coroner.
In her findings, Judge Armitage expressed concern over the insufficient support services available for men at risk of committing violence, as well as for their partners seeking assistance. The inquest revealed that Donald had been referred to SupportLink, a service intended to help him access counseling, but he failed to respond to their attempts to reach him. Additionally, a men’s behavior change program managed by CatholicCare had a significant waitlist, further complicating access to support.
Prior to the incident, Gibbons faced housing instability, often staying with friends or in hotels, but had recently managed to find refuge at a domestic violence crisis center. Judge Armitage concluded that had both Donald and Gibbons received adequate support, the tragic events might have been avoided.
The coroner’s recommendations focus on enhancing support systems for individuals at risk of using violence in intimate relationships, emphasizing the necessity for early intervention to prevent further tragedies. The report also referenced testimony from researcher Chay Brown, who asserted that individuals who engage in violent behavior can change and that better support services are essential for facilitating this transformation.
In her report, Judge Armitage made ten recommendations aimed at governmental action to improve the situation surrounding domestic violence and coercive control, highlighting the urgent need for change.
