Nine explores coercive control in Hannah’s Story podcast

Nine Podcasts has released a six-part series about the day Hannah Clarke and her three young children were tragically killed by their father and Hannah’s estranged husband. 

The terrible act of domestic violence sparked a wave of outrage and shock across Australia but also started a national conversation about a form of domestic violence few had even heard of – coercive control.

9News Queensland presenter, Melissa Downes, was one of the reporters covering the story of Hannah and her children that day. 

Standing on the street in the Brisbane suburb of Camp Hill, Melissa was left at a complete loss as to how something like this could have happened, and how to explain it to the rest of Australia.

“As heartbreaking and confronting as this story is, it needs to be told so we can learn and better understand coercive control,” said Melissa.

“This podcast is a rare opportunity to look at every element of a domestic violence situation – from the relationship, to the crime, through to the coronial inquest.”

Across each episode, listeners are shared details from the weeks and months, even years, leading up to the crime that the public hasn’t been told. Melissa also sits down with Hannah’s family, friends, first responders, witnesses, domestic violence experts and political leaders – some speaking for the first time.

Melissa and Jess delve into the scourge of domestic violence and coercive control in Australia, with the overarching goal to try and understand what needs to change to protect other women, and men, in abusive relationships,

They also hope to help spread the important messages that Hannah’s parents, Sue and Lloyd, advocate through their organisation, Small Steps 4 Hannah.

The first two episodes launch on Monday, 22 May, with more episodes dropping each week. 

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Watch the trailer below.

HANNAH’S STORY TV PROMO from Nine on Vimeo.