LIVING IN FEAR
JAN 5 Fabiana takes out Domestic Violence Order against ex JAN 21 He breaches order and police respond FEB 2 He returns and allegedly murders mum-to-be
Violence Order against her partner on January 5, fearing for her safety and that of her unborn child.
He allegedly breached the order on January 21, when police were called to Fabiana’s Varsity Lakes home.
It is believed she also sought help several times from domestic violence support services.
Police allege that on Monday the man returned to Fabiana’s home and bludgeoned her to death with a tomahawk.
Police said it was likely the former partner would also face charges over the death of his unborn child.
Domestic violence is said to have played a part in three murders and one attempted killing on the Coast in the first 34 days of the year. Amy Compton-Keen, director of the Gold Coast Domestic Violence Resource Centre, said her service alone had logged 32,664 contacts with mostly female victims in the past 12 months.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call DV Connect on 1800 811 811. MOTHER-to-be Fabiana Palhares twice sought help from authorities and reached out to domestic violence support services before she was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend on Monday.
The Gold Coast Bulletin can reveal Fabiana took out a Domestic
A PREGNANT women beaten to death with a blunt axe used her small cleaning business to create a haven for her Brazilian friends.
Her accountant and close friend Bruno Silva said Fabiana Palhares, 35, was loved by the entire Brazilian community for creating jobs for those down on their luck.
“She used her cleaning company to help people,” Ms Silva said.
“She had so many contacts around the Gold Coast so whenever anything came up she would organise work for Brazilians who were struggling.
“She was a real leader which is why everyone wanted to be a part of her life.”
Ms Palhares died at Gold Coast University Hospital on Monday night after being beaten with a tomahawk in a chilling attack hours earlier.
The father of her 10-weekold unborn child, has been charged with her murder.
He was arrested a few streets from Ms Palhares’ Varsity Lakes house soon after the incident.
Ms Palhares’ brother, Raphael Palhares, yesterday boarded a flight from Brazil to help with funeral arrangements here.
Just over a year ago, he wrote a heartbreaking message of support on his sister’s Facebook page.
“I am so proud of you,” he wrote referring to Ms Palhares’ booming cleaning business.
“I wish all the best and success!!! Miss u!!! Beijos!!!.”
Mr Palhares is expected to land at the Gold Coast Airport today, nine years after his sister flew into the same airport to start a new life.
She dreamt of opening her own business and after years of hard work as a cleaner at a Tweed Heads hotel was able to save enough money to get started.
She started Fab Cleaning Solutions in 2012, establishing a respected reputation within the Brazilian and wider Gold Coast community.
Tragically, friends and business partners who called the company yesterday were only greeted by a thick Brazilian accent asking them to call back later.
Their messages will never be heard.
The brutal attack has crippled Ms Palhares’ closest friend and flatmate Bianca Melbourne, who said she felt “lost” without her.
“I don’t know how I am doing,” Ms Melbourne said yesterday. “I am just lost without her. “I have been down at the Burleigh police station giving my statement all morning and I am exhausted.”
The city’s Brazilian community will start planning Ms Palhares’ memorial service when her brother arrives.