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In a momentous shift for victims of domestic violence, Justice Secretary David Lammy has pledged to raise the minimum sentence for domestic murder by an extra decade. This decision comes after years of relentless campaigning by a group of mothers who have lost their daughters to domestic violence and felt the sting of inadequate sentencing. Their stories painted a vivid picture of the tragic consequences of a system that often undervalues the lives of women killed by intimate partners.
Mothers Unite for Change
Carole Gould, Julie Devey, and Elaine Newborough have become the faces of a movement that demands justice for victims of domestic homicide. In a powerful meeting with Lammy at the Palace of Westminster, the mothers presented poignant photographs of their daughters, each a stark reminder of lives cut short by violence in the home. Gould’s daughter, Ellie, was killed by her ex-boyfriend just a day after their relationship ended; Devey’s daughter, Poppy, was murdered by her partner in a brutal attack.
In both cases, the killers received sentences that fell shockingly short of justice, reflecting a serious discrepancy in how domestic murders are treated compared to other forms of homicide. For instance, while a murder committed in public could lead to a maximum sentence of 25 years, those committed in the home could result in just 15 years. This disparity left the mothers feeling as though their daughters’ lives were deemed less valuable.
A Moment of Realisation
During their meeting, Gould confronted Lammy with the painful question: “Imagine this was your daughter.” The impact of this challenge resonated deeply with Lammy, who later expressed his commitment to reforming the sentencing guidelines. When Gould urged him to raise the minimum sentence for domestic murder to 25 years, Lammy responded with an unexpected affirmation: “All right, I will.”
For the mothers, the moment was both surreal and emotional, prompting tears of relief and disbelief. As they processed Lammy’s promise, it became clear that their years of advocacy were beginning to yield tangible results.
The Road to Reform
The journey to this pivotal moment has not been easy. Devey and Gould initially joined forces after discovering their shared grief and determination to enact change. They collaborated to form the Killed Women campaign, shining a spotlight on the systemic failures that allowed domestic violence to persist unchecked.
Their efforts included the “You Were Told” campaign, which called attention to missed warning signs and the “Fallen Women” initiative, aimed at scrutinising police handling of cases involving domestic abuse. More recently, they partnered with media outlets to document and raise awareness of female victims of male violence, underscoring the urgent need for legislative action.
Support from figures like Jess Phillips, who has consistently highlighted the names of women killed by men in Parliament, has been instrumental in amplifying their message. Phillips commended the mothers for their relentless pursuit of justice, noting that their efforts have addressed a fundamental unfairness in the criminal justice system.
Looking Ahead
While the new sentencing guidelines offer a glimmer of hope, they are not without their limitations. The increase in sentences will not apply to cases where victims are killed by family members or in instances of so-called “honour” crimes, a point of disappointment for many campaigners. Domestic abuse commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs expressed concern that the reforms do not go far enough to protect all victims.
Yet, the mothers remain undeterred. Devey vowed to continue their fight, stating, “We’re not going to stop now.” Gould echoed this sentiment, recognising that their work is far from complete, especially as they prepare to confront the Parole Board regarding their daughters’ killers.
Why it Matters
This change in policy marks a critical step towards recognising the severity of domestic violence and the importance of adequate sentencing for perpetrators. It reflects a growing awareness and acknowledgment of the profound impact that domestic murder has on families and communities. As the voices of these mothers resonate in the halls of power, their perseverance serves as a powerful reminder of the need for systemic reform in the treatment of domestic violence cases. Their advocacy not only honours the memories of their daughters but also offers hope to countless others who have faced similar tragedies.
