‘It’s time to break the cycle’

As a movie lover with a heart for justice and a keen interest in true stories, I wholeheartedly endorse “Her Majesty the Queen: Behind Closed Doors”. This documentary is not just another historical piece, it’s a poignant reminder of the harsh reality faced by many women in abusive relationships.

Add Her Majesty the Queen: Behind Closed Doors to your watchlist.

Joanna Simpson, affectionately known as Jo to me, was exceptional, gifted, radiant, and compassionate. She embodied the epitome of a perfect daughter, a claim that many mothers might make, yet it held true for her. The vast majority adored Jo, with the exception being her husband, Robert.

On Halloween 2010, just a week prior to their divorce finalization, while their two kids were within hearing distance at their Ascot residence, he used a claw hammer to take the life of Jo. Afterward, he concealed her body in a previously excavated grave located in Windsor Great Park.

Various types of mistreatment exist, and sometimes victims may not realize they’re being mistreated until much later. If you sense you’re experiencing abuse, I strongly recommend reaching out for help, as you don’t have to face this situation on your own.

At the time when Jo passed away, the matter of domestic abuse was often overlooked and hidden from view, with the common expression being “It’s just another domestic dispute.” I found myself repeatedly emphasizing, “Treating it as ‘just another domestic’ could end in tragedy.

In England and Wales a woman is killed by a partner every five days

In my experience, while I was married to Captain Robert Brown of BA, I unfortunately fell victim to controlling, isolating, and intimidating behavior. It was truly groundbreaking when coercive control became criminalized in 2015, but the grim reality is that the numbers still paint a horrifying picture – every five days in England and Wales, a woman loses her life at the hands of her current or former partner, as reported by Refuge.

As a cinephile who tragically lost my daughter at the age of 46, I found solace when my grandchildren moved in with me on the Isle of Man. At 71 years old, I embarked on this journey called parenthood once more. They have been my beacon of hope, and I believe they’ve seen me as one too. It’s hard to imagine how I would have continued without their presence by my side.

While some grandparents may not have the means or physical capacity to fulfill their parental roles, it’s a cruel twist of fate for those children who end up in foster care, separated from familiar surroundings. These kids often become overlooked casualties, as they lose touch with what they once knew.

Back in 2014, the profound love Jo had for her now successful adult children sparked an idea within me, which she shared with our close friend Hetti Barkworth-Nanton. This led us to establish The Joanna Simpson Foundation. Notably, Hetti later assumed the role of Chair at Refuge as well. Every year, countless kids and young adults find themselves in situations where they witness or become victims of domestic abuse. Our mission is to provide support for these individuals, offering them a path towards healing and safety.

Two years following the establishment of our foundation, I had the opportunity to meet the Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall. It was a group of six families who shared the tragic stories of our deceased loved ones due to domestic abuse. Later on, I received an invitation to a gathering at Clarence House. To my surprise, she approached me, pointing a finger, “You’ve played a role in drawing me into this cause!” This encounter was particularly emotional as her efforts are instrumental in lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding domestic abuse. I am optimistic that this week’s ITV documentary, titled Her Majesty the Queen: A Glimpse Within, which follows the Queen interacting with families like ours, will foster greater understanding and awareness on the issue.

There’s still a lot more work left to do. Many other victims, including us, are deeply concerned that offenders may be granted early release. The release of Brown, scheduled for November last year following the completion of half his 26-year sentence, was prevented by the government after persistent efforts in campaigning.

In 2011, he was wrongfully found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder, given his diminished state of responsibility. We’re advocating that the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor sit down with us to discuss updating the current murder laws, sentencing, and proceedings, as they are heavily influenced by the 1950s, and require modernization.

By following the example of influential figures such as Andrew Tate who propagate misogyny, we should employ education and cultural transformation to disrupt the recurring pattern of violence. It’s crucial that as a collective, we become aware of the danger posed by domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, and help empower future generations with knowledge and understanding.

For more information, visit jsfoundation.org.uk

2024-11-07 21:08

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