Groups gather to break the silence

A mum whose daughter was murdered by her husband was the key speaker at a conference on domestic abuse held in Holbeach.

Breaking The Silence was held last Thursday (November 27) by Mandy Baxter of the Boxes of Hope Community Interest Company.

It brought together a host of groups and companies whose skills and services domestic abuse victims might need at the charity Tonic Health’s Holbeach Hub.

“It’s something that needs to be out there,” said Mandy. “Many people don’t understand how much support there is out there.

“It’s about connecting people and breaking down the walls.

“We’re all doing the same kind of work, dealing with domestic abuse victims, and if we can work together we can understand it better and what’s needed of us.”

The event was timed to take place during the worldwide ’16 Days of Activism’ to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

“In this nation one in four women and one in six men will be the victims of domestic abuse at some point,”

Mandy continued. “It’s not just women.

“There’s support out there too for men and veterans.”

There were a number of guest speakers through the day including Annette Bramley, from Holbeach, whose daughter Holly was murdered by Nicholas Metson in March 2023.

She promoted her campaign for ‘Holly’s Law’ to establish an animal cruelty register which cites research from groups including the RSPCA that people who abuse animals are often more likely to commit other violent offences, including domestic abuse.

Annette said of Breaking The Silence: “I thought the event was spectacular and a real success, so much so that next year’s event is already in the planning.

“It served as a chance for all the different organisations to get a feel of what roles the others play all, of which, do a magnificent job, in helping those in need.

“I was there to promote the campaign for Holly’s Law. To get the message across regarding the link between animal cruelty and domestic abuse, and hopefully, gain as many signatures as possible.”

Afterwards Mandy thanked all of the speakers and those who attended.

“What happened in that room was more than an event, it was a movement,” she said. “A reminder that even in the quietest corners of our towns, courage has a voice and hope has a home.

“The event offered a safe space for open discussion, networking, and sharing resources aiming to strengthen local partnerships, raise awareness, and build community support around domestic abuse issues.

“It is time to break the silence, it is time to stand up to domestic abuse and it is time for hope, healing, and collective strength.

“The event will be on next year.”