News & Events
Latest news, events, updates and more
Victorian MP encourages signing of pepper spray petition
There is currently a Parlimentary petition to legalise Pepper Spray in Victoria. Led by David Limbrick MP, the petition proposes Victorians 18 and over can carry and use pepper spray in the event of self-defence. “In many countries it’s legal for ordinary people to carry pepper spray to protect themselves and their families,” says David Limbrick. We encourage victims, survivors and supporters to get behind this important cause and sign the petition. Empowering women to protect themselves is an important next step to support victims of stalking abuse and domestic violence.
He/Diva Day 2025 supports Stalking Now Foundation
NSW leads new protections for victim survivors
NSW courts can now issue new protection orders against domestic violence offenders. Under new legislation, NSW courts can now order that a perpetrator’s phone can be monitored by police if they are found to be serious, high risk or repeat offenders. Police will be able to monitor online activity, texting and phone calls to detect harrassment towards domestic violence victims. The new ‘Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Order (SDAPO)’ can last for 5 years and if breached, may lead to the offender facing a seven year prison sentence and a $33,000 fine. SADA recommends that a similar order be introduced Australia wide.
Queensland parliament passed new laws which will allow police to issue on-the-spot domestic violence orders
Again Queensland are leading the way. They introduced “Hannah’s Law” which from May 2025, coercive control is now a crime. Now police will be able to issue on the spot intervention orders for 12 months, which will relieve the court system. They are also trialling GPS monitoring for the worst offenders. Let’s hope these initiatives go Australia wide.
From Roses to Terror nominated for first Australian award
Stalking Final Report 2022
Since 2021 SADA has been involved in many reforms for the Victorian parliament to change and update laws in relation to stalking. In 2022, the Victorian Law Reform Commission released its final report. We are still waiting for the report recommendations to be implemented by the current Labor Andrews/Allen Government.
A Bad Romance - a special edition of 20/20
ABC’s latest series ‘Bad Romance’ reports on “20/20” stories ripped from the headlines, leading viewers through some of the most shocking and surprising romance stories of the last decade — stories that began with romance and ended in crime.
Financial assistance and compensation for victims of crime
State Revenue Office announces relief after family violence
On 24 June 2025, new legislation and support was introduced to provide relief for victim-survivors of family violence. This includes further eligibility for first home buyer benefits and support for 12-month residency requirements.
Stalking Symposium 2025
Hosted by Code Black Psychology & Dr. Nathan Brooks, the one day Stalking Symposium will be held on 5 September in Melbourne. The event brings together leading experts in forensic psychology, law, and threat assessment to tackle the complex and growing issue of stalking.
5 Star Review for Di McDonald's first book
Di McDonald’s first book From Roses to Terror receives a 5-star review from global website Reader Views. “Di McDonald’s story is a testament to courage, resilience, and the importance of standing up for oneself and others,” says Reader Views. “From Roses to Terror is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the realities of stalking.”
Making history
Members of Parliament and staff can now access Di McDonald’s first book, From Roses to Terror at The Parliamentary Library in Victoria.
Latest podcast Crime Insiders | Detectives
In season 3, episode 204 of the podcast Crime Insiders | Detectives, Brent Sanders talks to Di McDonald about how she overcame the fear and torment of her stalker and why she calls former Victoria Police officer, Beck Norris her ‘guardian angel’.
From Roses to Terror
Di McDonald’s gripping first book on one woman’s fight to jail her stalker and emerge from a reign of terror to become a survivor and activist is now available on Amazon in Kindle and hard copy versions.
2025 event announced
Stalker Awareness Australia Day (SADA) 2025 was held on Saturday 24 May at the Dutch Club Abel Tasman. Featuring guest speakers, live music by Fleetwood Max and the launch of Di McDonald’s first book, From Roses to Terror.
Guest speakers announced for 2025 annual SADA event
We are so excited to announce this year’s line up of guest speakers at the annual Stalking Awareness Day Australia 2025. Guest speakers will include Kris Illingsworth, FBI trained profiler, Narelle Fraser, former homicide detective, Libby Tanner, Wentworth actress and Di McDonald, SADA founder and author.
SADA founder completes her first book
SADA founder and first time author, Di McDonald signs off the first hard copy of her new book, From Roses to Terror. “If you are a victim of stalking or domestic violence, this book will show you how to take back control of your life.” Available on Amazon in Kindle and hard copy.
SBS Insight explores when being watched crosses the line
SBS Insight’s episode Being Watched explores when being watched crosses the line. The episode features SADA founder, stalking survivor and activist, Di McDonald. Her stalker installed a tracker on her mobile phone, enabling him to monitor her movements. “He knew when I was at home and when I was at work,” says Di. “After many attempts to remove the tracker, I bought a new phone and number.”