In nine days, two women have been killed and a third suffered multiple stab wounds as domestic and family violence continues to reach alarming new heights across the Northern Territory.
In the latest alleged incident, a 47-year-old woman was found in a critical condition after being allegedly assaulted with a blunt weapon at a bush camp near Alice Springs.
Despite emergency services attempting to revive her, she died at the scene.
Police arrested her partner Jerry Robertson.
The 51-year-old faced Alice Springs Local Court today charged with murder, engaging in conduct that contravenes a domestic violence order and being armed with an offensive weapon.
He was remanded in custody, with his matter to return to court in September.
The second death just over a week ago saw a 45-year-old woman succumb to a stab wound in Jilkminggan, south-east of Katherine.
Her partner was charged with murder.
The Northern Territory government has invested an additional $20 million from the budget into the sector, but Chief Minister Natasha Fyles is asking for more.
"I again call on the Commonwealth to fund this sector at a needs base, not a population base, because of the circumstances here in the Northern Territory," Fyles said.
Their deaths come as Coroner Elizabeth Armitage investigates the loss of four women at the hands of their partners.
Halfway through the six-month coronial inquest, the court has heard of the years of abuse these women suffered, the failings of police and the demand women's shelters are facing on a daily basis.
According to the latest data by the Equality Institute, in 2021 the rates of domestic and family violence-related assault in the NT were three times the national average, while domestic and family violence-related deaths were seven times the national average.
The inquest resumes in Darwin on August 14, where the death of Miss Yunupingu will be investigated.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
