By Tarang Chawla
My sister Nikita was murdered last January. If she was still alive, she would be 24.
When news broke of Niki's murder, some journalists looked to the ethnic identity of the man who is accused of killing her for reasons for what happened. Even more focused on my sister's cultural identity.
Nikita Chawla with her brother Tarang.
Niki's Australian. Born and bred. Neither of these things are of particular significance to what happened, but I can understand that they were noticed – a brown face is a brown face. Maybe there's something about violence in Indian communities that's especially remarkable?
The comments were worse. But I knew to expect that – they often are. They pointed fingers at my sister. They victim-blamed, and then victim-shamed. Some made out like she was responsible for being killed. Some made out like she had "asked for it". After all, "What did she expect would happen?"
According to research released today by Our Watch and Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety (ANROWS) about the nature of reporting of violence against women in Australia in 2015, 15 per cent of reporting implied the victim was in some way responsible for the violence inflicted upon her.
Excuses for absolving perpetrators' actions vary. Perhaps she was drinking? Flirting? Went home with him? Was out alone? They were arguing? She didn't report previous incidents? She didn't leave?
These statements do not excuse violent behaviour. There is no excuse.
Media often reflect what society thinks, and in turn play a powerful role in shaping attitudes and beliefs around the issue of violence against women. Many do this well and, as an incentive to others, the second annual Our Watch Awards, which rewards journalists for reporting respectfully, opens for entries today.
The evidence is clear. Violence against women is the product of male entitlement. Culture is a factor. But it needs to be looked at holistically and not as a way to mask or excuse patriarchal misogyny.
We live in a culture that continues to mistreat women. Lesser pay. Sexist jokes. Street harassment.
The way out is clear: it's our collective responsibility to challenge attitudes that condone or perpetuate gender inequality at every level. This applies wherever you live and with whichever culture you identify.
Things are being done and attitudes are changing, but progress is slow. In its most serious manifestation of gender inequality, women continue to be killed and then they are blamed for it. Later, courts continue to deliver lenient prison terms.
I hope that wherever my sister is now she is safe and happy. I hope she's dancing. Not one more Niki. We've lost enough already.
Tarang Chawla is a Survivor Advocate, Legal Policy Commentator, writer and Our Watch Ambassador