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Vale Rebecca Poulson, award-winning author, survivor-advocate and Our Watch ambassador

July 18, 2021 / Our Watch media

A message from Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly regarding the passing of Our Watch ambassador Rebecca Poulson: 

We are greatly saddened by the passing of Our Watch ambassador Rebecca Poulson, and we extend our sincere sympathies to her loved ones. 

Rebecca was a remarkable advocate for the safety of women and children in Australia. 

After her father, niece and nephew were murdered by her brother-in-law in an act of bone-chilling family violence, Rebecca  channelled her grief to help other women and families not suffer the same fate.  

She worked tirelessly for decades to protect and support those experiencing family and domestic violence by sharing her experience to raise awareness and advocate for positive social change.  

In addition to influencing government initiatives, support services and legal and police procedures related to domestic violence in Australia, she was also a passionate advocate for survivors of family violence. 

As an Our Watch ambassador, Rebecca was heavily involved in the organisation’s National Media Engagement project, working with the media to positively influence the way they report on violence against women and engage with victims of violence. 

She not only addressed journalists reporting on violence against women but took part in multiple video recordings and panel discussions, wrote a number of opinion pieces, and did various high-profile interviews on the importance of prevention. 

Rebecca was not only loved and respected as an anti-domestic violence advocate but was also a beautiful soul, whose generosity and kindness will be sorely missed by the Our Watch family. She will be forever remembered and treasured.  

Rebecca is survived by her three children. 

 

Media contact

Saraya Musovic, Senior Media and Communications Advisor 
saraya.musovic@ourwatch.org.au or 0407 091 383

*If you cover this story, or any story regarding violence against women and children, please include the following tagline: 

“If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.  If you are worried about your behaviour, call Mensline on 1300 789 978 or visit mensline.org.au.” 

To access guides for reporting about violence against women and their children, visit Media Making Changemedia.ourwatch.org.au 

About Our Watch

Our Watch is a national leader in Australia’s work to stop violence against women and their children before it starts. The organisation was created to drive nation-wide change in the practices, norms and structures that lead to violence against women and children.