In a pivotal moment for justice in the UK, mothers who have lost their daughters to domestic violence have achieved a significant victory in their campaign for harsher sentencing. Following years of tireless advocacy, Justice Secretary David Lammy has announced a new measure that will see the minimum sentence for domestic murder increase by an additional ten years, addressing the glaring disparities that have long existed within the legal framework.
A Long Road to Justice
During a deeply emotional meeting at the Palace of Westminster, Lammy was confronted with the heartbreaking stories of mothers who have endured unimaginable loss. Among them were Carole Gould, whose daughter Ellie was murdered in 2019, and Julie Devey, who lost her daughter Poppy in 2018. Both women presented poignant photographs of their daughters, accompanied by harrowing accounts of the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The chilling reality is that their daughters were killed by ex-partners in the domestic sphere, yet the maximum sentences handed down to their killers were significantly lower than those for murders occurring in public contexts. For instance, Poppy’s murderer, Joe Atkinson, received a 16-year sentence, while Ellie’s killer, Thomas Griffiths, was sentenced to just 12 and a half years. The mothers expressed their anguish at the notion that their daughters’ lives were deemed less valuable because they were taken in a domestic setting.
The Moment of Change
In a powerful exchange, Gould implored Lammy to imagine how he would feel if his own daughter were taken from him. This moment of vulnerability struck a chord with Lammy, who later agreed to the mothers’ demand for a fairer sentencing structure. When Gould urged him to implement a standard 25-year minimum for domestic murder, Lammy’s affirmative response left the room in stunned silence.
“I’m just overwhelmed that it has come to this,” Gould reflected. “We burst into tears, thinking we had finally been heard.”
On a recent Tuesday, alongside their fellow campaigner Elaine Newborough, the mothers witnessed the announcement of the new sentencing guidelines from the public gallery, an occasion marked by a spontaneous cheer from their supporters. The legal changes mean that domestic murderers will now face a minimum of 25 years in prison, reflecting a growing recognition of the severity of these crimes.
A Collaborative Effort
The journey to this landmark decision has been far from easy. Devey and Gould’s partnership began during the pandemic, after they connected through shared grief and a determination to advocate for change. Together, they founded Killed Women, an organisation dedicated to honouring the memories of women killed by men and fighting for justice on their behalf.
With former chief executive Anna Ryder joining the cause, the group launched several campaigns aimed at addressing systemic failures in the justice system. Their efforts have included the “You were told” campaign, which highlighted the inadequacies of the police response to domestic violence, and the “Killed Women Count” initiative, which meticulously tracked instances of femicide throughout the UK.
Jess Phillips, an MP and long-time ally of their cause, provided crucial support throughout their advocacy efforts. “This is a fundamental unfairness that has been righted,” she remarked, celebrating the hard-won changes.
Continuing the Fight
Despite the progress made, campaigners have acknowledged the limitations of the new sentencing guidelines. The domestic abuse commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs, expressed disappointment that the increased sentencing would not extend to cases where victims are killed by family members or in honour-based violence situations.
But the mothers remain undeterred. Devey affirmed their commitment to continue pushing for further reforms, stating, “We’re not going to stop now.” Gould echoed her sentiments, focusing on ensuring that the new guidelines are applied consistently, particularly when her daughter’s murderer comes up for parole.
In the face of adversity, these mothers have transformed their grief into a powerful force for change. Their resolve serves as a reminder of the strength of those who have endured unimaginable loss, and the vital importance of advocating for justice and systemic reform.
Why it Matters
This landmark change in sentencing reflects a significant shift in societal attitudes towards domestic violence and the legal system’s response to it. By recognising the unique nature of domestic murders and the trauma inflicted on victims and their families, this new measure aims to provide not only justice but also a sense of closure and dignity to those who have suffered. As the campaigners continue their work, their story highlights the essential role that grassroots advocacy plays in shaping policy and protecting vulnerable populations. Their victory is not just a win for the mothers but a crucial step towards a more equitable justice system for all.
