Remembering the Fallen on International Women’s Day
By Clare Hocking
I find myself today on International Women’s Day reflecting on the heartbreaking reality that far too many women face in the UK.
Should we consider that we should spend today doing more than just posting on social media that we honour those who have suffered in silence, whose lives have been extinguished by domestic abuse, trafficking, and the pervasive societal indifference that allows such tragedies to continue.
As we gather today to remember, we must confront the urgent need for change. In a poignant moment in Parliament, MP Jess Phillips recently delivered a heartbreaking speech, paying tribute to all who have lost their lives due to domestic violence.
I listened to her voice filled with emotion as she read the names of women whose lives have been tragically cut short, each name echoing in the chamber, whilst It was heartfelt reminder of the pain and suffering endured by so many I also felt quite annoyed that they were let down by the systems which were supposedly put in place to protect them from such crimes .
Among the names were Zoe Ann, Pauline Sweeney, and Carol Matthews, each one a mother, a daughter, a friend, who faced unimaginable circumstances that led to their untimely deaths.
The list continued with Tiffany Rinder, Francis Dwyer, and Ruth Baker, each representing a life filled with potential and dreams that were never realised.
Kennedy Westcar-Saburoff, Samantha Mickleburgh, Rachel McDaid, and Lisa Wellford were also remembered, alongside Karen O'Leery, Sonya Parker, and Tanjit Rias. Each name was a life lost to violence, neglect, or exploitation, leaving behind a void that cannot be filled.
The stories of these women are not just statistics; they are individual lives marked by great pain and resilience. Domestic abuse is an issue that affects millions across the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, in the year ending March 2020, an estimated 2.3 million adults aged 16 to 74 experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales. Among these, around 1.6 million were women, highlighting the disproportionate impact of this epidemic on female lives.
The statistics are staggering, but they only scratch the surface of the reality faced by women. The National Crime Agency reported that in 2021, there were 12,727 potential victims of modern slavery identified in the UK, many of whom were women trafficked for sexual exploitation.
These women often endure horrific abuse, trapped in a cycle of violence and exploitation that seems inescapable. As the names continued to be read out the silence was deafening, honouring Anita Mackay, Bhajan Core, and Katherine Parton-Binch.
Each name told a story of struggle and survival, but ultimately, loss. Margaret Parker, Patsy Ost, Veronica Chinyanga, and Delia Haxworth were also remembered, victims of a system that has repeatedly failed to protect them. Joanna Ward, Lauren Evans, and Maxine Clarke followed, their stories intertwined with the tragic narrative of domestic abuse that has claimed too many lives. The impact of domestic abuse often extends beyond physical harm.
The research indicates that a significant proportion of women who die by suicide have a history of domestic abuse. The ONS has noted that women who experience domestic violence are at a markedly higher risk of suicide, with many cases going unreported or misclassified. This tragic reality of victims who had suffered in silence, including Sophie Evans, Joanne Simack, and Louise Hunt.
As we reflect on the fallen, it becomes clear that the current legal framework designed to protect victims is outdated and inadequate.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021, while a step in the right direction, does not guarantee sufficient funding for essential support services. Shelters and counselling programs, which are vital for victims seeking to escape their situations, often struggle to stay afloat due to not enough funding .
Many victims report feeling unsupported by law enforcement, which can discourage them from coming forward. In light of such tragedies, initiatives like Raneem's Law have emerged as critical steps toward reform. Named after Raneem Oudeh, a young woman who lost her life to domestic violence, this law aims to enhance the response to domestic abuse cases, particularly in emergency situations.
One of the key components of Raneem's Law is the rollout of domestic abuse specialists to 999 call centers across the country. These specialists are trained to identify and respond to domestic abuse cases effectively, ensuring that victims receive the appropriate support and resources during their most vulnerable moments. The implementation of Raneem's Law came about in response to the urgent need for improved protocols in handling domestic abuse calls.
By having dedicated specialists on the line, we hope to create a safer environment for victims to disclose their situations, receive immediate assistance, and access the necessary services to escape their circumstances. This initiative is a crucial step forward, but it must be accompanied by broader systemic changes to ensure long-term protection for victims.
I ask that today, on International Women’s Day let us honour the fallen and commit ourselves to the fight against domestic violence and trafficking and highlight the systemic issues that allow this to persist.
Together, we can create a world where every woman can be safe, valued, and their voices heard. I dedicate this article not only to those named who have lost their lives tragically in 2024 through domestic and trafficking violence, but also to the unnamed victims who sadly took their own lives due to a legal system which failed them , enabling the perpetrators to go unpunished for such heinous crimes .
