Tarang Chawla is preparing for another Christmas without his sister.
Nikita Chawla had just finished the final exams on her performing arts degree when she was violently murdered by her husband in 2015.
More than 10 years on, family and partner violence remains a pervasive issue across Australia, with at least 74 women killed in domestic violence attacks in 2025 so far.
Women have historically been the subject of domestic violence campaigns, but Mr Chawla - alongside sporting stars, researchers and the chief justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia - is determined to ensure men take accountability.
"Every year at Christmas there is an empty seat at the table where my sister Niki would sit," said Mr Chawla, a commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
"I know firsthand what it means for a family to have their lives shattered by men's violence.
"Family violence is not a women’s issue - it is a men’s behaviour issue.
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore, Brisbane Lions captain Harris Andrews, Man Cave CEO Ben Vasiliou and Movember research director Zac Seidler will join a panel discussion as part of a family violence prevention forum convened by Chief Justice William Alstergren in Melbourne on Friday.
Attendees will also hear from Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, Australian Sports Commission chair Kate Jenkins and others.
"Bringing leaders together in a room like this is not about symbolism, it is about taking responsibility for the culture we create in our workplaces, clubs and communities," Mr Chawla said in a statement from the Family Court shared by press release distribution service, AAPR.
"For too long, women have been told to keep themselves safe while men have stood on the sidelines.
"Until men are willing to challenge other men to a higher standard, nothing will fundamentally change and we all suffer."
About one in four women and one in 14 men have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics have shown.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
