Inquest into death of Hannah Clarke and her children to begin today

An inquest into the horrific murders of Queensland mother Hannah Clarke and her three children is set to begin in Brisbane this morning.

It's been just over two years since Hannah Clarke, 31, and her three children, Aaliyah, 6 and Laianah, 4 and her son, three-year-old Trey, were killed in the most horrendous of circumstances. 

Ms Clarke was getting them ready to go on the school run when they were ambushed by her estranged husband, the children's father Rowan Baxter. 

READ MORE: Hannah Clarke's family detail her heroic last act

Hannah Clarke with her three children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey.

He doused them in petrol, set them alight, and they passed away that day. The 42-year-old then died by suicide.

It was a domestic violence attack that shocked the nation and now, over the next eight days, an inquest will hear from 34 witnesses, including police that Hannah approached in the days and weeks leading up to her death. 

The coroner will be examining whether anything could have been done to address the escalating violence Ms Clarke was experiencing.

Hannah Clarke with her two daughters Laianah and Aaliyah.

Her parents, Sue and Lloyd Clarke, have been instrumental in raising awareness about coercive control, which includes behaviour such as emotional, mental and financial abuse, isolation, intimidation, sexual coercion and cyberstalking.

Coercive control is set to become a criminal offence in Queensland within the next 18 months. 

Ms Clarke's parents say Baxter used methods of coercive control on their daughter and they want to make sure that their family tragedy can help other victims.

Readers seeking support for domestic violence can call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

If you are in immediate danger call Triple Zero (000).

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Inquest into death of Hannah Clarke and her children to begin today
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