Late on Thursday Ms Hanson-Young said she was asked to give the reference "in full support of the wife, whom I also know." "I do not condone domestic violence, any suggestion otherwise is absurd. In the interest of the family concerned and their privacy I don't intend to make any further comments," she said. The move has shocked the women's safety and domestic violence sector, in light of the Greens senator's vocal opposition to violence against women, for which she has previously said there were "no excuses." "I think she would have been wiser to have denied the reference because of the work she does and the position she has in the community," said Joanne Yates, chief executive of Domestic Violence NSW.

Ms Yates said with or without a conviction, when an assault charge ends up in court it is "serious." "I'm struggling because this story highlights the complex nature of domestic violence as an act. I also think it is one that challenges our own belief systems," Ms Yates said. "What if this is our friend? How do we stand up for them? I would say you don't take the action she did, if you are going to stake your reputation on speaking out on violence against women." She added that the character reference "ought not change" Ms Hanson-Young's advocacy for victim survivors of domestic violence. University of Melbourne social work Professor Cathy Humphreys said Ms Hanson-Young's advocacy for women has often come at "great personal cost ... so it is disappointing to see she has not thought through this clearly enough in terms of the leadership" she provides in the community.

"It undermines her stance on domestic violence. I think you can understand the pressures on her and the loyalty she might feel, but I think [the reference suggests] she hasn't demanded and expected enough of this man in the behavioural change process," Professor Humphreys said. Loading The senator's letter states the man "has told [her]" he is back living in the family home and things are going well." Ms Hanson-Young later adds that she understands there has been a reconciliation but she does not "know any details." "She's saying she doesn't know what reparation steps are taken. This doesn't set a good example about what is expected of men in public life and what would be expected in terms of reparation in these circumstances."