From Tragedy to Advocacy: Maria Costigan Demands Real Change in Domestic Violence Protection

Maria Costigan's heartbreaking journey is a stark reminder of the profound challenges facing women seeking protection from domestic violence through the legal system. Almost a decade after the brutal murder of her niece, Tara Costigan, Maria reflects on the inadequacies of domestic violence orders (DVOs) meant to shield vulnerable individuals like Tara from their abusers. In the days leading up to that fateful event, Tara, a new mother just one week postpartum, had sought legal protection from her ex-partner, Marcus Rappel. Despite her efforts to secure an interim DVO, Rappel's response was chilling: he publicly dismissed the order as insignificant, proclaiming, "They're just a piece of paper." His subsequent actions tragically proved her fears correct when he murdered Tara with an axe, witnessed by her two young sons. This horrific case is not isolated. Research indicates that one in four convicted femicide offenders were already listed on an intervention order before committing their crimes. With so many women turning to the courts for protection, the data raises critical questions about the efficacy of the current legal frameworks. Have these systems truly improved safety for women, or do they inadvertently place them in even greater danger? Experts, including Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon from Monash University, argue that the intervention order system has failed to deliver on its promise of safety. With the period immediately following the issuance of an order recognized as especially perilous, it begs the question: what measures are in place to safeguard women at their most vulnerable? The statistics paint a concerning picture. In New South Wales, breaches of domestic violence orders have reached a four-year high, with Victoria reporting record levels of breach offenses. These trends suggest a troubling reality—while more orders are being issued, the rate of compliance by perpetrators appears to be dwindling. Michelle Royes, interim CEO of DVConnect, emphasizes the mixed effectiveness of DVOs. "Sometimes they are a powerful tool to keep women safe," she notes, but cautions that the real safety often comes from support networks outside the legal system. This sentiment echoes the experiences of many women who find that the protective orders they sought for safety can sometimes lead to escalated violence rather than deterrence. The aftermath of Tara Costigan's death has left an indelible mark on Maria, who has turned her personal tragedy into a call for reform. She advocates for stronger penalties for those who breach DVOs and more rigorous enforcement measures, including the potential use of electronic monitoring. Her experiences within the correctional system further inform her views, as she encountered Rappel following his incarceration. The terror she felt upon seeing him only reinforced her belief that current measures are inadequate. In response to the escalating crisis surrounding domestic violence, the National Cabinet recently announced a $4.7 billion funding package aimed at improving legal and social supports for women and children. While this represents a step forward, advocates like Royes stress the urgency of addressing the dangerous period immediately following the issuance of protective orders. As Maria Costigan continues to navigate her own trauma, she remains a fierce advocate for change. Her message is clear: DVOs must evolve from being perceived as mere pieces of paper to robust instruments of protection that truly safeguard those most at risk. The fight for justice and safety for women like Tara Costigan is far from over, and it demands immediate attention and action from both lawmakers and society as a whole.