The Day I Learned My Stepdad Was A Child Killer - Sherele Moody

What does it mean to put a name and a story to every woman and child lost to violence? For more than a decade, journalist and activist Sherele Moody has been documenting the lives behind the statistics, creating a record of Australia’s femicides through Australian Femicide Watch and the Red Heart Movement. But this isn’t just advocacy for Sherele, it’s very personal.

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This week on You're Gonna Want To Hear This, Marie Claire Australia Editor Georgie McCourt is joined by Sherele Moody to share the story that changed her life - the moment she discovered her stepfather was responsible for the murder of two young girls. A revelation that would go on to shape her life’s work.

From a childhood marked by abuse and instability, to building one of the most significant databases of violence against women in Australia, Sherele speaks with unflinching honesty about trauma, survival, and the cost of speaking out.

She also unpacks the systemic failures that continue to put women at risk - and why the question isn’t why women stay, but why it remains so difficult to leave.

This episode covers:

• The personal story behind Sherele’s activism
• The reality of femicide in Australia - and what the numbers miss
• Why domestic violence systems are failing women
• The emotional toll of documenting over 3,000 deaths
• How community, connection and action can drive change

If this conversation raises issues for you, support is available.

In Australia, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14).

To find out more about Sherele's work, go to australianfemicidewatch.org

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