Joanna Simpson penned a heartbreaking letter to her mother, a final request to care for her children should the unthinkable happen. It was a premonition that tragically came true.
Her story, and the stories of countless others, are now fueling a powerful call for change. A year-long campaign is shining a light on the devastating impact of violence against women, and the often-overlooked trauma experienced by the children left behind.
At a recent event, mothers and children who have endured the unimaginable – the loss of a loved one to domestic homicide – spoke with raw honesty. They are demanding greater support from the government, not just for themselves, but for all those who follow in their footsteps.
Diana Parkes, Joanna’s mother, and Hetti Barkworth-Nanton co-founded The Joanna Simpson Foundation, born from a desperate realization. “There was absolutely nothing for the children,” Diana explained. “They are the hidden, forgotten people. Their mother is dead, their father is in prison. This needs to change.”
Roann Court, who lost her mother to a former partner at the age of fifteen, echoed this sentiment. She described the profound and lasting impact of such a loss, emphasizing that children are acutely aware of far more than adults often assume.
“As a child who lost a parent to domestic homicide, this campaign is highlighting the impact that it has on children,” Roann stated. “I hope the UK Government will change the way that children are perceived and looked after after a domestic homicide incident.”
The government has responded, stating it is taking “decisive action” to combat domestic abuse. New legislation aims to protect children from abusive parents and improve information sharing between services.
However, advocates argue that systemic change is desperately needed. The core of the campaign, driven by The Joanna Simpson Foundation and Children Heard and Seen, centers on a simple, yet profound idea: children’s voices must be at the heart of every decision made after a domestic homicide.
The call for support extends beyond emotional trauma. Carers need financial, therapeutic, practical, and legal assistance to navigate the complex aftermath of such a tragedy. No one should be forced to fight this battle alone.
Central to the campaign is the push for “Jade’s Law,” a legal reform that would automatically strip perpetrators of parental rights upon conviction. The argument is clear: those who commit such heinous acts should not retain the ability to influence the lives of their children.
Furthermore, advocates are demanding that perpetrators be barred from financially benefiting from their crimes. They should not profit from the very act that shattered a family.
The campaign also recognizes the power of connection. Peer support networks are vital, allowing those affected to find solace and understanding in shared experiences. Healing, they believe, happens when individuals connect with others who truly comprehend their pain.
Finally, there is a critical need for improved training and resources for professionals – social workers, teachers, and others – who interact with children impacted by domestic homicide. They require the tools and knowledge to provide effective, trauma-informed support.
