IPSWICH, Australia — A 23-year-old Afghan woman who fled violence in her home country seeking safety in Australia was allegedly murdered in the home she shared with her children, Queensland authorities said.
Police have charged the woman’s husband and brother-in-law in connection with her death in Ipswich, a suburb west of Brisbane, according to local media reports. The victim’s name has not been released publicly. She had arrived in Australia after escaping what officials described as “one of the most dangerous countries in the world.”
Queensland Police said officers were called to the residence earlier this week, where they found the woman with critical injuries. Despite efforts by emergency responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe the killing occurred during a domestic violence incident involving both men. They have been formally charged with murder and remain in custody. Court proceedings are expected later this month.
Authorities confirmed that the woman’s children were present in the home at the time of the incident. Child protection services have since intervened.
The case has prompted renewed calls for stronger protections for migrant women facing domestic abuse, and for broader outreach in immigrant communities where access to support services can be limited.
“This tragedy underscores the urgent need to ensure that all women — regardless of background or immigration status — have access to safety, support and justice,” said an advocate at a local women’s shelter, speaking on condition of anonymity.
