A Lismore man, James Harrison, who was suspected of killing himself and his two-year-old son, had previously been in court for his controlling and coercive behavior towards his former partner. Three months ago, Magistrate Michael Dakin had granted the former partner an ADVO (Apprehended Domestic Violence Order) to protect her from Harrison’s attempts to dictate her life. While there was no history of violence in their relationship, Magistrate Dakin deemed Harrison’s behavior concerning enough to grant the order with standard conditions to prohibit him from assaulting or threatening her, stalking her, or destroying her property.
Unfortunately, Harrison did not fulfill any of these conditions and instead killed their two-year-old child and himself using a system he had set up in his East Lismore apartment. Concerned when the child did not return from a visit to his father on Sunday afternoon, the former partner called the police about an hour after the scheduled return time. Officers arrived at the College Street unit around 6 pm, finding it quiet and dark. Unable to make contact with anyone, they left the address to continue their inquiries. As the evening went on, the boy’s grandmother called the police again later on, leading them back to the unit where they broke down the door to discover the tragic outcome.
Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell confirmed on Monday that it was evident to the authorities that the father had taken the lives of both himself and his two-year-old son. The matter is now under investigation on behalf of the coroner to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. The community was shocked and saddened by the news of the deaths, prompting discussions on mental health, coercive behavior, and the importance of early intervention and support for such individuals who may be struggling with their mental health.
The incident highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic violence and coercive control, even in situations where there was no history of physical violence. It also raised questions about the adequacy of existing systems and interventions to address the complexities of such cases, where individuals may exhibit controlling and coercive behaviors without necessarily resorting to physical violence. The tragic deaths of James Harrison and his son served as a grim reminder of the need for greater awareness, education, and resources to support individuals experiencing mental health issues or engaging in harmful behaviors within relationships.
The case also underscored the importance of early intervention and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues and controlling behaviors. It raised awareness about the potential risks and consequences of not addressing such issues promptly, as evidenced by the tragic outcome in this particular case. The community was left grappling with the shock and devastation of the loss, prompting discussions on how to improve mental health services, support systems, and interventions to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The heartbreaking incident served as a wake-up call for communities to prioritize mental health awareness, early intervention, and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues and controlling behaviors. It highlighted the need for improved education, resources, and support systems to address the complexities of domestic violence and coercive control, even in cases where there is no history of physical violence. The deaths of James Harrison and his son served as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of untreated mental health issues and controlling behaviors within relationships, underscoring the importance of proactive intervention and support for those in need.
