Mum's fight to prosecute domestic abusers for manslaughter reaches parliament
A mum fighting for domestic abusers to face manslaughter charges if victims take their own lives has spoken of her continued heartache after her daughter died by suicide.
Sharon Holland is pushing for 'Chloe's Law' in memory of Chloe Holland who died in March this year after months of abuse from her ex-partner. The man, who cannot currently be named for legal reasons, was jailed in October for coercive and controlling behaviour towards the 23-year-old mum-of-one.
He was given a 41-month sentence behind bars for the abuse - which a court heard included encouraging Chloe to kill herself. Sharon is now fighting for authorities to prosecute abusers like him to be held legally responsible for their victims' deaths. Two women are killed every week in the UK at the hands of a current or former partner, however these statistics do no account for victims who die by suicide due to the trauma they suffer.
Speaking to The Mirror, Sharon, 51, told how she saw Chloe change from being a "lively" and "feisty" young woman to one who became isolated from her friends and family. "She was absolutely terrified of him," she said.
Sharon pictured with her daughter, Chloe (HotSpot Media)More than 10,000 people in the UK have now signed a petition spearheaded by Sharon which calls for new legislation holding abusers accountable for causing victims' deaths. It could mean life sentences in the most serious cases. The petition will be considered for a debate by Westminster's Petitions Debate if it reaches 100,000 signatures.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
In a tragic twist, Sharon revealed her mum Beryl also took her life in London many years ago after suffering from abuse herself. Sharon said: "I know we are not alone. I've been speaking to a lot of families that have had no justice in their cases." Earlier this year, an inquest into the death of 30-year-old Kelly Sutton ruled she had died by unlawful killing after she took her life after suffering from domestic abuse.
Meanwhile, Jessica Laverack was also ruled to have died with domestic abuse a "primary cause" of her illness in an inquest in June after she took her life in 2018. A study published by women's charity Agenda Alliance earlier this year also found that victims of domestic abuse were three times more likely to attempt suicide.
Sharon wants to bring attention to what she believes is also a cause of femicide (ITV)"I can't really grieve properly yet," Sharon said. "it's not over yet. Every time I talk to someone in a similar position I'm just absolutely heartbroken that they haven't got any (justice)." The mum is currently running a Facebook community for other loved ones of people who have taken their lives after suffering domestic abuse, including both men and women.
Ministers will now raise Sharon's petition in Parliament after it passed the milestone this week in the inital stage of a process which could eventually lead to a full debate. It follows councillors in Portsmouth publicly backing the campaign last month, with one member calling it "a matter of profound importance that strikes at the heart of justice and wellbeing". A change in the law, the mum added, would also enable victims like Chloe to be recognised as victims of femicide.
In a heartfelt message to other victims of domestic abuse and their families, Sharon said: "Get professional help and build your strength up and get out quick. And for families that have some suspicion that their child is in that sort of relationship, never get angry with them and always be there for them. I know I got frustrated with Chloe sometimes and I did blame myself at first."
You can sign Sharon's petition here.
If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk. If you are struggling with your mental health, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 116 123.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
