Brittany Higgins accuses Pauline Hanson of victim-blaming over domestic violence comments

Hanson told radio station 4BC that while domestic violence is a "scourge," society is under immense pressure, and that women can also "lose their cool." She added, "If these women are getting abused by men out there, then don’t put up with it."

Her comments drew immediate criticism from advocates. Tarang Chalwa, whose sister was murdered by her partner, stated that his sister tried to do what Hanson suggested and was killed, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with the abuser, not the victim.

Brittany Higgins, executive director of the Vida Fund, accused Hanson of normalizing "victim blaming rhetoric" in relation to domestic violence, calling it "atrocious" given that 38 Australian women have already been lost to femicide this year. The Women's and Girls' emergency centre's chief executive, Nicole Yade, described Hanson's remarks as "vile and shameful," stating they reflect a "victim-blaming narrative" and a "complete misunderstanding" of gendered violence.

This is not the first time Hanson has made controversial statements on the issue. In 2019, she secured a controversial inquiry into the family court system, suggesting women fabricate domestic violence complaints to prevent the other parent from seeing their children. In 2017, she also stated her sons had faced "unwarranted" domestic violence claims.