Finding into death of Amanda Dawson

57y · Female·Head injuries resulting in subdural haematoma and global cerebral ischaemic injury

Amanda Dawson, a 57-year-old nurse, died from head injuries sustained during a fatal assault by her intimate partner, Lindsay Masatora, on 10 October 2016. She was struck twice to the head, causing subdural haematoma and global cerebral ischaemic injury. Despite urgent decompressive cranial surgery at the Alfred Hospital, she never regained consciousness and was declared dead three days later. The coroner identified multiple family violence risk factors in Masatora: mental illness, suicidal ideation, obsessive and jealous behaviour, stalking, and unemployment. Critical clinical lessons include recognition that intimate partner stalking is a significant perpetrator risk factor for lethal violence, even without prior physical assault. Research shows 15% of femicide cases involved prior stalking without prior domestic violence. Healthcare providers should incorporate stalking awareness into family violence risk assessments and patient safety screening.