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In a landmark decision, Justice Secretary David Lammy has announced an increase in the minimum sentences for domestic murder cases, a move that follows years of relentless campaigning by grieving mothers who have lost their daughters to domestic violence. The new measures are set to ensure that those found guilty of murdering their current or former partners face up to 25 years in prison, addressing a significant gap in the justice system that previously treated domestic murders with leniency compared to non-domestic cases.
A Pivotal Moment in Advocacy
During a poignant meeting in his office at the Palace of Westminster, Lammy was confronted with the stark realities of domestic violence as mothers Carole Gould and Julie Devey presented him with photographs of their daughters, both tragically murdered by their partners. Gould’s daughter, Ellie, was just 17 when she was killed in 2019 by a fellow student, while Devey’s daughter, Poppy, was 24 when she lost her life to an ex-boyfriend in 2018. Both young women were victims of brutal stabbings, yet their killers received sentences that were shockingly lenient due to the domestic nature of the crimes.
“In their cases, the maximum sentence was set at 15 years, a stark contrast to the harsher penalties typically imposed for similar offences committed outside a domestic context,” explained Devey. The disparity, the mothers argued, made it seem as if their daughters’ lives held less value simply because they were killed in a home setting.
A Call for Change
The emotional impact of their stories resonated deeply with Lammy, who has previously articulated the joys of fatherhood. Gould’s impassioned plea—“Imagine this was your daughter”—seemed to awaken a determination in him to effect change. In a moment of unexpected commitment, Lammy agreed to the mothers’ demands. “All right, I will,” he responded, leading to tears of relief and disbelief among the grieving parents.
On Tuesday, both Devey and Gould, along with Elaine Newborough, whose daughter Megan was murdered in 2021, watched with bated breath as Lammy detailed the new sentencing guidelines, which now include an additional 10 years for those convicted of domestic murder if aggravating factors are present. The announcement was met with a cathartic cheer from the mothers, who have fought tirelessly for justice.
“This moment is overwhelming,” said Newborough, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of their victory. “Our girls will be so proud of us, I’m sure.”
The Journey So Far
The path to this significant policy change has been long and arduous. Devey and Gould initially connected after recognising each other’s shared grief on television, eventually forming the advocacy group Killed Women during the pandemic. Their coalition has highlighted systemic failures in the justice system, launching campaigns such as “You were told” to raise awareness of domestic abuse warning signs and “Fallen Women” to scrutinize police investigations into suspicious deaths.
Their collaboration with the Guardian’s Killed Women Count initiative has also played a pivotal role in documenting the deaths of women killed by men, bringing attention to the alarming statistics surrounding femicide in the UK. Jess Phillips, MP and long-time supporter of their efforts, noted the significance of their advocacy in addressing a “fundamental unfairness” in the criminal justice system.
A Step Forward, But More to Do
While the new sentencing guidelines represent a crucial step forward, advocates warn that the measures still fall short. Domestic abuse commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs expressed concern that the updated guidelines do not extend to cases where victims are murdered by family members. This gap continues to leave certain categories of victims vulnerable, particularly in instances of “honour”-based violence.
Despite these shortcomings, the mothers remain resolute in their commitment to continue advocating for justice. “We’re not going to stop now,” Devey affirmed, as she and Gould prepare to engage with ongoing issues surrounding their daughters’ killers, including forthcoming parole hearings. “This is a recognition that he is as dangerous as someone serving 25 years.”
Why it Matters
The implementation of these new sentencing guidelines for domestic murders is a vital step towards addressing the systemic inequities in the justice system that have historically diminished the value of women’s lives. It brings hope not only to the families of victims but also signals a broader societal recognition of the devastating impact of domestic violence. As public awareness grows, coupled with rigorous advocacy, there is a real opportunity to reshape the narrative surrounding domestic abuse and ensure that justice is served equitably. This moment stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the unwavering determination of those fighting for change.
