The patron of Sir Owen Glenn's inquiry into family violence, Dame Catherine Tizard, says she is re-considering her involvement after the inquiry's head quit.
Long-time anti-violence campaigner Ruth Herbert confirmed last week that she had left the $2 million inquiry which is being funded by the philanthropist.
On Wednesday, three of the inquiry's four chairpersons also confirmed they had resigned and Dame Catherine said she is worried the inquiry will now fail.
Dame Catherine said she was reluctant to take on the role of patron and accepted it only because she knew and respected Ruth Herbert.
"Given her resignation and her immediate colleagues and the other resignations that have been, I am really worried about what this is going to do to the success of this investigation, this research."
Dame Catherine said she had spoken to her and understands there is a rift between Ms Herbert and Sir Owen but does not know what triggered it.
She said she would meet the new chief executive, Kirsten Rei, on Thursday before deciding whether to stay on.
Ms Rei said she is optimistic that she can find well-qualified people to fill the vacancies.
