For Holly: domestic abuse campaign
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This is Holly Bramley. She was just 26 years old when her life ended, at the hands of the man who was supposed to love her. 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.”
We, together with Holly’s mum, Annette Bramley, and the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service, are delivering a campaign in Holly’s memory, to raise awareness and promote help and support.
Annette said, “It was a real privilege to be Holly’s mum, I only wish we had been able to do more to save her. I really do hope this campaign will make a difference to someone suffering in the same way.
“The biggest hurdle is getting that person to listen, to realise that they are not in a safe relationship; for them to believe what their worried family and friends can see, that they can't. That's the thing we need to get across because Holly couldn't see what a controlling, coercive fiend he was. But we could.”
Detective Chief Inspector Rachael Cox is the lead for Domestic Abuse at Lincolnshire Police. She 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.”
Over the coming weeks, our “For Holly” 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.
The campaign will include the following releases over the next six weeks:
- Clare’s Law – how this scheme is there to help you, or someone you are worried about, by giving you information if you are at risk of abuse. Follow the link to find out more or to make a Clare's Law application.
- Red Flags: What is domestic abuse? – so manipulative was Holly’s killer that she did not fully understand that he was abusive and even sometimes blamed herself.
- The Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service – how they are supporting victims and survivors.
- Safe Spaces – when your abuser is possessive and controlling, as Holly’s was, this can make it difficult to seek help. These are rooms available in many pharmacies, where you can find out about help and support without the fear of your abuser looking over your shoulder or checking your devices. Find your nearest safe space.
- “Now the pain has gone away” – a poem for Holly from mum, Annette.
- A letter to Holly.
If you need help please follow this link to our section on domestic abuse advice and information.
See our other releases under this campaign.
Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service