A reminder of services available to domestic abuse sufferers has been published to mark a year since a woman’s body was found.
Authorities including Lincolnshire Police and South Holland District Council among those who published statements in memory of Colette Law.
Her body was found in a tent in the grounds of St Mary and St Nicholas Church in Spalding on July 17, 2023.
Paul Neilsen, 31, of no fixed abode was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison for three assaults on Colette and perverting the course of justice in relation to covering up her death.
The statement said: “We will never know exactly what happened to Colette.
“Due to the delay in finding her, an exact cause of death could not be established. But we do know this: Colette, in the last days of her life, was assaulted three times by a man who then went on to cover up her death with lies and deceit.
“Her body lay undiscovered in a tent for a week. She was 26 years old.
“Described as the “life and soul” of her family, Colette, with her kind heart, her infectious laugh and her love of the colour purple, must have been in a very dark place prior to her death. In her final days, she was assaulted and beaten by her partner, the man who was supposed to love and care for her.
“She was a long way away from her family home in Greenock, Scotland.
“We don’t know if Colette was aware of the support available for domestic abuse. In her memory, we are sharing the things we only wish could have helped her.
“To Colette – a beautiful young woman who should not have had to suffer – we will remember you.”
The measures listed are:
l The Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS) offer information, advice and where eligible, specialist intervention support.
l If you have concerns that a partner or ex is abusive, you can ask the Police under #ClaresLaw (for yourself or someone else) if there is information held that indicates they may be a risk. This is also called the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.
l You can use #SafeSpaces, available in pharmacies, where you can find out about your options and the support available, away from the prying eyes of your abuser.
l #HollieGuard is a personal safety app that could help protect you, your friends or family members. When an alarm is raised, it will record evidence, alert emergency contacts and track your location.
l #BrightSky is a free to download mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship.
l The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is always open: 0808 2000 247
l Report abuse, call Lincolnshire Police on 101, or 999 if it’s an emergency.
l If you would like to report someone sleeping rough, please make a referral to Streetlink https://thestreetlink.org.uk/
