The Unfortunate Woman v Her Well-Respected Killer: A Domestic Violence Trial in 1876

The exhibition tells the story of the trials of Kenneth Brown; a scandal that rocked the community in 19th Century Western Australia. Brown’s victim and wife Mary Ann’s right to safety was eclipsed by social conventions and the reputation of her husband. This exhibition examines the social and legal perceptions around accountability and provocation in the prosecution and defence of Brown.

The Museum collaborated with Edify Media and a team of experts to create a short film to accompany the exhibition and unpack issues prevalent in the case which are still relevant today.

Featured in the film are: The Honourable Lindy Jenkins, retired Supreme Court Justice and Chair of the Law Reform Commission; Dr Jennie Gray, CEO of Women’s Legal Service WA; Mark O’Hare, Deputy CEO of Stopping Family Violence; Dr Caroline Ingram, Historian and Museum Curator and Emeritus Professor Peter Handford, Law School, University of Western Australia, supported by the Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival.

Watch the film here.