Four Women Hospitalised in Canberra After Separate Family Violence Incidents
Four women have been taken to hospital in Canberra within a 12-hour period following two separate family violence-related incidents, according to ACT Policing. The disturbing events occurred on Sunday, February 8, 2026, with police responding to both cases and arresting two men who now face multiple charges.
First Incident: Mort Street Altercation
In the first alleged attack, a 38-year-old man from Macquarie is accused of assaulting his former partner and another woman, rendering them unconscious. The incident occurred around 3:30 am on Mort Street in the city centre after an altercation between the women and the man.
Police reported that the man also allegedly struck a bystander in the head when she attempted to assist the injured women. Other witnesses provided aid until police arrived and arrested the man shortly afterwards.
All three women involved in this incident were transported to hospital by ambulance. During a search of the Macquarie man's belongings, police discovered a bag of white powder suspected to be cocaine.
Second Incident: Kambah Residence Assault
In a separate and unrelated incident, police were called to a residence in Kambah at approximately 2:20 pm after a 29-year-old man allegedly assaulted his partner. When officers arrived, they spoke with two women but found the man had already left the scene.
Police located and arrested the 29-year-old man at a Kambah apartment complex just before midnight on February 8. The man, who was on bail with good behaviour obligations, was found in possession of a tactical stun gun and 35 grams of a crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine.
Court Appearances and Charges
Both alleged offenders are scheduled to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday facing numerous charges. The 29-year-old Kambah man will be charged with:
- Aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm
- Aggravated common assault
- Trafficking a controlled drug
- Possessing a prohibited weapon
The 38-year-old Macquarie man faces charges including:
- Family-violence related assault
- Assault
- Affray
- Possessing a drug of dependence
Context and Support Services
These incidents follow another serious family violence case reported the previous day in Franklin, where a man allegedly assaulted his partner 14 times, choked her unconscious, and captured intimate images.
ACT Policing has emphasised their readiness to assist victims of family violence. A police spokeswoman stated: "If you are in this situation - when it is safe to do so - please contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, or contact a support service who can assist with crisis support, safety planning and advice."
Support services available include:
- ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service 24-hour crisis line: 02 6280 0900
- Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 24-hour crisis line: 02 6247 2525
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
The back-to-back incidents highlight ongoing concerns about family violence in the Canberra community and the importance of accessible support services for those affected.
