Bishop of Newcastle backs calls for domestic abuse law change after teenager’s murder
Campaigners urge recognition of under-16s as domestic abuse victims
The Bishop of Newcastle, Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley, has called for changes to domestic abuse laws in the UK, following the tragic murder of Holly Newton in Hexham in January 2023.
The 15-year-old was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend, prompting calls for younger people to be officially recognised as domestic abuse victims. The current legal threshold under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 only applies to those aged 16 and above.
The issue was highlighted in Parliament, where the bishop pushed ministers for action to lower the statutory age. She explained this proposal has been referred to as "Holly's law," named after the Northumberland teenager.
The Home Office is currently reviewing the legal framework surrounding domestic abuse and plans to conclude its work by the end of this year. Speaking in response to the bishop’s question, Home Office minister Lord Hanson of Flint conveyed his sympathies to Holly’s family and friends and emphasised the importance of examining how adolescent experiences of domestic abuse are captured under current legislation.
Campaigners argue that age is no barrier to becoming a victim of domestic abuse, with young people equally at risk from coercive behaviour and violence.
Government plans to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) aim to halve such cases within 10 years. Measures under consideration include mandatory lessons in secondary schools on healthy relationships, new teacher training to identify concerning behaviour in young men, and the creation of a helpline for teenagers needing advice about their own behaviour in relationships.
Education Secretary-commissioned research discovered that 70% of secondary school teachers reported cases of sexual violence or harassment between children in their schools.
During the Lords debate, former judge Lord Meston also raised the topic of intergenerational violence and the cycle of abusive behaviour. He remarked that children exposed to domestic abuse often go on to view such behaviour as normal.
Lord Hanson acknowledged these issues, stressing the role of education in strengthening relationship and personal respect education. He also noted the challenges posed by harmful content circulating on social media, indicating that the Online Safety Act is being examined to address online harm effectively.