7 episodes
Hannah's Story 9Podcasts
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- True Crime
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4.8 • 861 Ratings
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It was one of the most horrific acts of domestic violence Australia has seen.
On Wednesday the 19th of February 2020 Hannah Clarke and her three young children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey were killed by Rowan Baxter, their father & Hannah’s estranged husband - set on fire in their car in a quiet Brisbane street.
It sparked outrage, shock and a community conversation about a form of domestic violence few had even heard of - coercive control.
Now, Nine News Presenter Melissa Downes, alongside Producer Jess Lodge, delve deeper to better understand what happened: speaking to family, friends, first responders, witnesses, domestic violence experts and political leaders - some speaking for the very first time to reveal the whole story... Hannah’s Story.
This podcast explores details from the days, months, even years, leading up to the crime that the public hasn’t been told. Details that will shock you, disappoint you and leave you asking - how did this happen? And what needs to be done to make sure it never happens again? What needs to change to protect other women, and men, in abusive relationships?
We also hope to help spread the messages Hannah’s parents Sue & Lloyd are advocating, through their organisation Small Steps 4 Hannah.
New episodes weekly, starting Monday May 22nd.
Episode 1: Hannah Clarke - May 22
Episode 2: Red Flags - May 22
Episode 3: 19th February 2020 - May 29
Episode 4: The Inquest - June 5
Episode 5: Lessons Learned - June 12
Episode 6: Hannah’s Legacy - June 19
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1. Hannah Clarke
In February 2020, the name Hannah Clarke was etched into the national consciousness. But who was Hannah? She was a natural leader, full of energy and positivity. She was a supportive friend, loyal daughter and sister, but most of all an incredible mother.
As we try to understand the evolution of Hannah’s relationship with Rowan Baxter, her family and friends open up their hearts to share their most intimate memories, and their heartbreak, watching a strong woman change before their eyes.
Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
Mensline 1300 78 99 78
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond DV
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
2. Red Flags
When Hannah left Rowan Baxter things took a dramatic turn, his behaviour escalating from concerning to dangerous. Those around them understood, for the first time, just how controlling he was. By putting the relationship under a microscope we can identify the tactics he used, and how he manipulated everyone around him. As the power dynamic between the couple tilted, Rowan tried everything to regain control.
Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
Mensline 1300 78 99 78
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond DV
Episode 3: February 19th 2020 coming Monday May 28
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
3. 19th February, 2020
It was a day that shocked Australia: the day Rowan Baxter killed Hannah Clarke and their three children, dousing them in petrol and setting them on fire in a quiet suburban street. We return to the scene of the crime with witnesses, journalists, the lead paramedic - complete strangers caught up in the unthinkable devastation, who are now sharing their story publicly for the first time.
Hannah’s family tells of their final precious moments together as Australia was being told the incomprehensible news.
Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
Mensline 1300 78 99 78
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond DV
Episode 4: The Inquest coming June 5.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
4. The Inquest
Two years have passed since the unimaginable murder of Hannah and her children. Now the Coronial Inquest begins, with new evidence drawing back the curtain on how this young family’s life was lived and lost. Disturbing details made public for the first time, along with CCTV footage, phone calls, a secret letter and police camera recordings. Intense interest surrounds the Inquest as Hannah’s parents watch on, reliving the worst day of their lives, over and over again.
Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
Mensline 1300 78 99 78
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond DV
Episode 5: Lessons Learned, coming June 12
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
5. Lessons Learned
We cannot talk about Hannah Clarke without acknowledging the other women killed in similar circumstances. It’s Australia’s shame - on average one woman is killed every week by a partner or former partner.
In this episode, we ask Queensland’s Police Commissioner and former Attorney General what has changed since Hannah's death, from education to policing and legislation. While DV experts and academics explain what we all need to do to create change in our community.
Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
Mensline 1300 78 99 78
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond DV
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
6. Hannah's Legacy
Amidst the grief, there is a story of hope. There has to be, to give Hannah a voice and to ensure her legacy.
So how are Hannah's family, friends and all those touched by the tragedy finding a way forward?
Sue & Lloyd Clarke are working tirelessly to turn Small Steps 4 Hannah into a movement: changing laws, education and conversation. Their commitment inspires others like the mysterious “Mr X” helping them turn a big dream into reality.
Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
Mensline 1300 78 99 78
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond DV
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Customer Reviews
Heartbreaking
My 1st husband’s motto was ‘I demand complete submission. When I’ve got it, I don’t want it’.
Sounds a bit like this story, but he wanted it all the time.
Luckily I got out in 1975. He was capable of murder. I was one of the lucky ones.
Excellent podcast. Showed so much compassion to all involved.
Devastating
Such a heartbreaking story told with true respect
Just devastating
Such loss, yet so much grace and generosity in the sharing. Despite how heartbreaking it is to listen to this podcast, it is well worth it. Listen and learn. Well done to the team that crafted this and thank you to Hannah and the children’s family and friends.