An inspirational Holbeach woman whose daughter was murdered is at the centre of a new campaign in Lincolnshire to help people recognise the signs of domestic abuse.
Annette Bramley’s daughter Holly was 26 when she was murdered by her husband Nicholas Metson in March, 2023.
As previously reported Annette has taken on training to become a Domestic Abuse Champion.
Now, in partnership with Lincolnshire Police and the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service, she’s taking her awareness even further launching the #ForHolly campaign today (Thursday, September 26).
“The training involved what signs to look out for with domestic abuse training and what direction to point potential victims in,” she said. “If there is something going on it’s trying to stress how important it is to get out of a relationship like that.
“Quite often they don’t know how to do that.
“The main problem is they don’t even realise they’re in that situation; they are blind sided by love.
“The first hurdle is to understand what they’re going though and that they believe what they are going through is harmful.
“They have to understand there is help available, somewhere to go when you may think there’s nowhere.
“I just wish we had the capabilities to do more to save Holly. If the campaign, helps just one other person then it will be worth it.”
Among the signs of domestic abuse are
- Jealousy, suspicion, rage, control
- Love bombing (intense attention)/silent treatment
- Monitoring your phone
- Checking up on you
- Isolating you
- Threatening to hurt themselves if you leave
The campaign is also looking to highlight Clare’s Law.
This is also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme where you can ask the police for yourself, or someone you are concerned for, if they hold information that may indicate a risk of domestic abuse.“It could be happening next door, it could be happening to a member of your family,” said Annette.
Detective chief inspector Rachael Cox, the lead for Domestic Abuse at Lincolnshire Police, said: “We are indebted to Annette.
“Despite her grief she is determined to work with us to help us reach those experiencing domestic abuse.
“She is an inspiration and a reminder of why we do this job.
“We are here to protect people and will continue to do all we can to raise awareness of what abuse is and to make sure everyone knows how they can get help even if they don’t feel they can approach the police to report yet.”
A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said: “It was one of the most horrifically violent cases that Lincolnshire has seen, and no officer or member of staff will forget any role they played in the aftermath of the incident, or the investigation that followed.
“Holly’s family describe her as ‘a beautiful, caring, innocent soul who had a kindness and warmth that affected everyone she met; a vibrant, happy and affectionate daughter, sister and aunt.’
“Over the coming weeks, our #ForHolly campaign will highlight what Holly endured. Her experience only ended when her life was taken and while this is the most brutal and devastating of outcomes, we know there are countless people who are enduring domestic abuse now, who live with it, day in, day out.
“For Holly, we want to reach those people, improve understanding of what domestic abuse is, and raise awareness of what you can do if you are suffering at the hands of an abuser.
“This is for Holly, and for every person who suffers domestic abuse.”
