In a tragic case currently being examined in the NSW Supreme Court, Lisa Fenwick, a 59-year-old woman, was found dead in her Sydney apartment in April 2023, having suffered multiple stab wounds inflicted by her partner, Anthony “Tony” Eriksen, aged 63. Prior to her death, Fenwick expressed deep concerns and frustrations about her relationship through messages to close friends, highlighting her feelings of entrapment and fear.
Committing to long-term relationship woes with Eriksen, Fenwick communicated her intentions to break free, stating, “I really hate him and I wish he was out of my life,” in a text from September 2022. By December, her discontent had escalated as she voiced her reluctance to financially support Eriksen, who was unemployed and dependent on her during their time together. Her friend Michelle Roberts testified that Fenwick was a career-focused individual, and a redundancy before Christmas hit her hard.
In February 2023, Fenwick reached out to Roberts again, revealing her plans to consult the Women’s Legal Service about securing her own living arrangements. On March 2023, amid increasing tension between them, she confided in Roberts, stating, “I am fearful of Tony,” and emphasised her need to keep records of her feelings for safety reasons. She also sought professional guidance from counsellor Melissa Burn, who noted Fenwick’s experience of financial abuse and her struggle to liberate herself from Eriksen.
Despite warning signs, Eriksen reportedly remained a constant in Fenwick’s life, with her guilt hindering her ability to move on. A month before her death, she shared with friends that Eriksen had reacted negatively to her seeking counselling and that she was increasingly fearful of him, although none had reported any instances of physical harm prior to her murder.
Witness testimonies revealed that Fenwick was found with severe injuries to her heart and lungs, following a walk with her two dogs. The alleged murder weapon, a kitchen knife, was discovered in the sink after Eriksen called emergency services and admitted to stabbing her during an argument.
Currently, Eriksen is representing himself in court, facing serious charges. This case underlines the devastating risk and complexity associated with abusive relationships, highlighting the terror and helplessness that victims can experience. In light of this, support services such as Lifeline and 1800RESPECT stand ready to assist anyone in need.