Concerns have emerged regarding the systemic failures that allowed Shafiqa Husseini to be murdered by her husband, Mirza Husseini, who subsequently took his own life, leaving behind six children. This tragedy has prompted questions about the authorities’ response to previous warnings raised by Shafiqa regarding her husband’s behaviour.
In a poignant statement to 9News, Shafiqa’s eldest child expressed the family’s deep sorrow, stating, “We are still in disbelief and are finding it difficult to accept,” adding that their mother devoted her life to caring for her children. The Bordertown community is grappling with the shocking news, and detectives have returned to the family home as part of their ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Advocates, including Arman Abrahimzadeh, are questioning how Shafiqa’s concerns went unaddressed, suggesting that this tragic incident may have fallen through the cracks of the system. The region’s limited access to domestic violence resources has also been highlighted, as the nearest support centre is a two-hour drive away in Mount Gambier. Community leader Yunus Noori emphasised the need for open conversations, stating, “It is very hard, and nobody can say or understand what is going on inside people.”
Bordertown Mayor Liz Goossens acknowledged the inadequacy of available support services, reflecting a wider issue faced by many regional areas that lack necessary resources. She expressed a strong desire for additional assistance to address these pressing needs.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of enhancing support mechanisms for victims of domestic violence to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. Those affected can reach out for help through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).