Survivor of Domestic Abuse, Campaigner and Public Speaker. Ambassador for Womens Aid and IDAS Champion. And at the forefront of the ChildfirstCampaign.
Tomorrow is 8 years since I held my precious boy in my arms and he closed his eyes 1 last life ended & my existence began.I cling to the thought that in that moment he left my arms to the waiting arms of my dad up above.The pain continues.
We rock our children to sleep as babies.Sing them back to sleep after nightmares.But nothing prepares you to hold them in your arms so tightly to fall into eternal sleep.There are shelves full of books telling you how to raise a child.But none telling you how to live without them
8 yrs today a young boys heart stopped beating.A heart that held the courage of a lion & full of love too.8 yrs too long since I last saw your face and beautiful smile.Your last act was to offer your hand & strength to your brother.Sleep softly sweet son of mine.Loved always
Six years ago when I held my 2 sons so tightly in my arms as they died I promised them no more children would be hurt by their parent.Yet still it continues and in South Yorkshire still there isn't enough done to prevent harm.Children are still being harmed,abused and killed.
5 years ago I was a lone voice fighting for child A & child B for their voices and names to be heard.4 years ago with Women's Aid the
#childfirstcampaign
began in a cafe in over 75K strong it's voices ring out in Parliament and across the world.
A study by
@womensaid
found that between 2005 & 2015 19 children had been murdered by a parent all perpetrators of Domestic Abuse
@BorisJohnson
,As 2022 nears.That grim statistic is now nearing 40.This is the reality of unsafe contact.Ordered by a family court judge.
#childfirst
The brutal reality of Xmas without children.Placing a lantern where they sleep to illuminate them with love at Xmas.Inside and out.There are not enough words to explain the pain.May peace,love & laughter be with you all this Xmas.Precious boys sleep in heavenly peace in my love.
An emotional day for so many reasons.Who am I to receive such recognition.But a day to remember that nothings impossible when people come together in the name of hope,friendship and love.Impossible broken down reads I'm possible even when facing our darkest hours and fears.
If anyone who watched Honour feel outraged reflect on the fact
@jessphillips
amendment to the
#DABILL
to help women with no immigration status or financial recourse access services to help and keep them safe was voted against by MP's.Feel free to contact your MP and ask why
Paul - my son - my boy.Eternally 9 but would be 19 today.10 years too long having to live without you.I held you first- so tightly- and held you used to look at the sky & stars to create pictures and dreams in them.Sleep softly in my love.Always
In her heart-breaking blog, Jack and Paul’s mother,
@clairethrossell
, urges you to sign the
#ChildFirst
petition, to help us stop avoidable child deaths and make sure children are put first in the family courts.
Read Claire’s blog here ➡️
(1/3)
⬇️
This is the reality of Domestic Abuse and unsafe child contact.This gentle boy had the heart and courage of a lion.I ask this govt to give children and victims a voice.
#childfirstcampaign
.Don't let their voices be lost now along with the Domestic Abuse Bill.
After hearing about the murders of 4 children at the hands of parents and family I again call on the House of Lords to review Safeguarding practices and presumption of contact.Having resisted making changes for generations of children to come how many more must die before they do
Claire THROSSELL I am humbled and privileged to be awarded an MBE.I accept it in the memory of Jack and Paul and for the support and love my community have given me. Thankyou from the bottom of my smashed heart Xxx
As the new Domestic Abuse Bill is being read in the Lords I again urge them to look at the issue of contact between a known perpetrator of abuse and their child.There is a little girl who although clear evidence is there of abuse contact is still taking place.
#childfirst
#ChildfirstCampaign
. I'm humbled that I was mentioned by so many esteemed MP's during the second reading of the Domestic Abuse Bill - Jack and Paul too.But let us remember the 17 children murdered at the hands of known abusers.They are faceless and nameless but remembered always
At the heart of everything I do with Women's Aid and IDAS.Jack was there for his brother when he needed him the most - his hands and his strength.But nobody was there for this 12 year old boy with the heart and courage of a lion.Don't suffer in fear and silence - we are here.
Today should be so different.Eternally 12 just a boy but today turning 21 he should be a man.Courageous,caring & loving to the end.Jack it was a privilege to be your mum and I hold tight to that last smile and our final words always. To Infinity & Beyond.
No more children should die at the hands of someone who should love them the most and no more parents should have to hold their children in their arms as they die knowing it's at the hands of someone they once loved.Every child deserves a childhood safe,happy and loved always
Another child murdered
Another child murdered by their father who then takes his own life
Another mum who has been ripped apart never to be whole again
But never ......NEVER just another statistic
Two more futures lost we MUST change the present and we must change it NOW.
@jessphillips
Sending you hugs it's ironic that you fight so hard to give women and children safer lives only to have yours threatened. Stay safe Jess and remember what a difference you make to people like me. Xxx
For 5 days while Jack fought to stay alive I was in a Ronald Mcdonald House in Manchester.They gave me shelter,protection & somewhere to lay my head.Gave me precious time with Jack & that enabled me to be there when he could fight no more.Forever grateful
Thinking of everyone who have faced Christmas without their loved ones this year or have faced it with fear.Friendship,family,warmth and love are the greatest gifts we can ever have.Never take it for granted and make every moment spent with them count.
This is the result of presumption of the Lords I say today when another child is murdered and countless others emotionally damaged for life you have had the opportunity to prevent it.Jack and Paul with all my heart I'm sorry. Mum
Tomorrow is
#whiteribbon
day to begin the annual
#16DaysOfActivism
.You should never feel fear,pain or oppression in the name of love and children deserve a childhood to ,happy and loved.Please get creative and wear it to help put an end to Domestic Abuse.
In 8 days time my precious boy will have been sleeping as long as he's been I ready to face that day NO but I guess I never would be.Paul should be 18 with many sunrises and promises of new days & opportunities ahead.But sleeps enfolded in love instead.
If we went back now and placed a teddy for every child murdered by a abusive parent it would be twice as 4 years.The reality of the devastating practice of Family Courts STILL allowing contact between abusers and their children.
#childfirstcampaign
.
If only
@BorisJohnson
would commit to the desperate changes needed within children's services in particular to presumption of contact between perpetrators of Domestic Abuse and their children then he wouldn't need to "find" the agencies who let Arthur be murdered.He would know.
Thank you
@clairethrossell
for your bravery on the
@vicderbyshire
show today, and your commitment to protecting children’s lives. Over 120 MPs have signed
@LouHaigh
’s letter calling for an urgent independent inquiry into the family courts. We won’t stop fighting for
#ChildFirst
.
So pleased that the Domestic Abuse Bill has been in the Committee Stage.Perpetrators abuse and humiliate because they know they can.But with the Bill and better awareness the day will come when we unite to say You can't which will echo up and down the land.
Sometimes we have to stand up for what we believe in. All governments need to remember that every decision and action they take has consequences.We must be the voice for the voiceless and defend the defenceless
#child
-first-safe-child-contact-saves-lives
Today our survivor ambassador
@clairethrossell
met with
@MoJGovUK
minister Lord Bellamy to discuss the
#ChildFirst
campaign and why the presumption of parental involvement in the family courts urgently needs to change
Tears in Heaven via
@YouTube
Paul 9th January 2005 - 22nd October 2014
Jack 31st March 2001 - 27 October 2014
Sleep tight boys wrapped in eternal love.
37 angels now at the hands of their parent.
I'm so sorry
Mum Xxx
This is not the way any childhood should be taken all the barristers & solicitors who candidly say legal aid family law gives little financial gain take a good look.I paid thousands only to fail.Don't make children pay the price of unsafe contact.
#ReviewofTheYear2021
In April the
#DABill
gained Royal Assent.But a baby left alone didn't cry because she knew nobody would come.A 3 yr old put his hand in his dad's while being led to his death & a 6 yr old died believing he wasn't loved.2022 has to be the year of change.
A victim has told me that her social worker identified that her perpetrator is coercively controlling and emotionally abusing her through her daughter and to report to police.SYP acted by saying ok this happens.Coercive control is NOT ok and is a punishable crime.
On 9th Jan this beautiful boy should have celebrated his 15th birthday.Eight lives have been taken this month already by Domestic Abuse 2 of those are children.Brexit divided the country but doesn't kill.The DA Bill needs to go forward and quickly.
Wearing my white ribbon with pride and will explain to anybody who asks why I am wearing it.A privilege to speak at Domestic Champions Conference yesterday.Abuse, oppression, fear, control and coercion.A symbol of what needs to change and quickly.
#Notoabuse
#childfirstcampaign
Today I saw MPs from all political sides discuss the true cost of domestic abuse and it's devastating,harrowing impact to us the bill has been heard twice and moved forward may they continue united to make the bill law and children safe and society too.
So after 6 documentaries a petition & visits to Parliament.Newspaper articles,podcasts & radio my boys voice has been heard across the world.Yet nearly 8 years later I still can't go to where he sleeps and whisper to him no more children have died or hurt again.The pain continues
Today with the amazing
@clairethrossell
we met Justice Secretary,
@RobertBuckland
to discuss our
#ChildFirst
campaign and the urgent need to improve safety in the family courts. We were so pleased to hear that, whatever happens next politically, the
#DABill
remains a priority.
When Paul approached the finish line in any race he never looked back or to the side only forwards.He was never afraid to face a challenge or to do the right thing.He was always the anchor leg trusted to bring the baton home in a relay too.We must do the same with the DA Bill.
My precious boy fought for 5 days in a PICU ward & a amazing team of doctors & nurses fought with him to save his life.But they also had to have faith & trust in each other as did I.I had no choice they did.Together they fought to the end.They deserve managers who do the same.
To Infinity and Back showing in the US tomorrow.Jack I promised you no more children would have to speak out in the dark like you had to. Many thanks to Red Marble Media.
#Childfirstcampaign
#rememberingjackandpaul
September a month when 3 more children were unlawfully killed by violent acts at the hands of someone they trusted.9 children in 7 years in South many more will it take for the Lords to admit that presumption of contact in cases of DA must end now.
I accept that my future will always be bleak.But I can't & won't accept that children who are already living at risk or in poverty stand little chance of their futures improving while the cost of living crisis escalates.Their education,safety & welfare must be protected from cuts
Claire's sons were killed by their abusive father, despite her warning that contact was dangerous. Claire is calling for the
#DomesticAbuseBill
to end unsafe child contact. Support our
#BillForSurvivors
today
#16Days
I hope that 2023 is a kinder,fairer & tolerant year.If we all did 1 act of kindness for someone the world would be a much better place.This Year I will fight even harder for children's rights,voices and safety around Child Contact & tell people who need to hear it I love them.
This young boy my beautiful son gave his hand,strength and courage in the dark to his brother when nobody was there for him.Despite the
#childfirstcampaign
the death toll keeps on a nation we have to be that hand for voiceless and frightened children.
Heartbreaking that police officers fail to enter a flat where a child is slowly dying frightened & alone.Heartbreaking that at another force officers fail to attend a 999 call where 2 children are fatally wounded.Sleep softly you deserved so much more.
I had the honour of attending a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by the Queen Consort.People uniting together across the world to end violence against Women & Girls.For me it was Camillas speech paying tribute to victims & saying their names.That needs to happen more.
Accountability!! needed right now!! how many more directors of failing social services are going to be allowed to step into other authorities on 6 figure salaries and fail yet more children.Stop allowing parental rights to excuse bad practice,judgements and inaction.
Three years agbent and broken with grief I became a figurehead for
#childfirstcampaign
.Now we have a Domestic Abuse Bill that will ensure children are seen,heard and protected by Family Courts. When we come together nothing is impossible. Thank you It means a lot
@clairethrossell
has done so much to help others - despite enduring the worse possible pain she now puts herself out there to prevent any other women / parents suffering the same agony.
Claire on Vimeo This film was made to show the reality of unsafe child contact & the love and strength of a community that united does contain some images that may be distressing.
#remembering
JackandPaul
#childfirstcampaign
#childfirstcampaign
stunned and honoured to be the first to receive the Beacon Award from GMB NW.A privilege to attend the conference today.We are all stronger when we stand together and build each other up.I'm proud to be a GMB NW member and to know so many fabulous people.
For anyone who has watched my interview on Sky tonight this is the link to the petition
Please sign
Please share
And help save children's lives.
Thank you
How much more?The PM forced to apologise to the queen and nation.Scant consolation to people unable to comfort loved ones as they died.Sickening for victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse trapped and alone with no chance to escape.People suffered while they dined.Inexcusable
#go
So it was World Mental Health Day yesterday.I spent the day talking about the link between how we feel in our hearts and minds affect how and who we welcome into our lives.I spoke to 100 young men breaking down barriers & straplines around abuse and that its ok to not be ok
Poignant start to 2021.Watching the New Years Day Concert from Vienna.The Orchestra was there - the venue was as grand and beautiful as ever but seeing all the empty seats was a reminder that we are all in this together.Yet still the musicians played their hearts out to the world
Furious beyond words.Doncaster Police IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE to tell anyone who is at risk of being murdered that there are no officers available to speak to.NOT ACCEPTABLE to let them leave and offer no support or follow up call.She walked in scared & vulnerable & left the same.
Every decision made by government has a consequence to others.Sometimes we have to stand up for what we believe in.For the voiceless - the defenceless.Every child deserves a safe & happy childhood & every child deserves to live.
As
@lucyrosehadley
said,
@clairethrossell
changed the conversation in the family courts, and she continues to advocate for women and children to ensure we deliver the change needed in the family courts. Their voices deserve to be heard, just as Jack and Paul’s should have been 🧡
As much as I respect the police and recognise they are often the first defence for victims of domestic violence and abuse it's clear to me that the level of understanding and response from all statutory bodies involved is a postcode lottery.This needs addressing and soon.
So the MOJ want to hand tougher sentences to Domestic Abusers whose behaviour escalates & they commit murder.MOJ you are completely missing the point.IF all govt agencies believed & adequately protected the victim instead of the perpetrator they would have no opportunity to kill
A 15 year old girl was murdered by her brother.A 5 year old boys little body was cradled and brought out of a lake after being murdered by a step parent and a young child died having been left alone & didn't cry because they knew already noone would come.
#childfirstCampaign
Blake & Tristan Barass.Two more beautiful boys whose lives were taken by those who should love them the most.Another SCR that concluded their murder could not be predicted.Again I say it's NOT about PREDICTION of harm but MUST be about PREVENTION of harm.Children let down again.
I'm involved with a documentary called 'Claire' that is helping bring to life my story and shine a light on how domestic abuse is recognised in the UK.
Please consider pledging to this cause to help finance the project.
Thank you.
Isolation,stigma & shame is what victims of sexual assault are left with.Only to be retraumatised & humiliated again telling a stranger in uniform.Asking you questions and trust that they believe you.Afraid,uncertain,harmed & alone.Attitudes towards victims & abuse must change.
For those questioning on here why women are speaking to
#Dispatches
and not going to the police, the
@RapeCrisisEandW
website will show you exactly why - less than 2% of reported rapes result in a charge.
Here
@VeraBaird
explains how awful the system is.
I will continue to campaign and challenge every Lord, Lady, Baron and Baroness across our land until they can look me in the eye and say they keep children suffering abuse News tonight at 9pm
#childfirst
#rememberingJackandPaul
Having made a documentary for a media company in America recently on Thursday night it was a privilege although emotional to record a podcast to be broadcast at some point in America ripples on a pond united in cause and heart the fight for change goes on.
Tears in Heaven via
@YouTube
. Quite appropriate given the weather right now. Sleep tight my precious boys wrapped only in love. If you haven't already please sign the
#childfirstcampaign
Ok so 5 years after Jack and Paul were murdered the statistics of Domestic Abuse make grim and tragic reading STILL.Year on year the numbers RISE.Children and adults futures taken away because Perpetrators CAN.Every life taken matters, every life destroyed matters.
Tomorrow night I will be featured on a documentary about Familicide on Sky Crime and Investigation.
#childfirst
#rememberingjackandpaul
.By wearing a white ribbon tomorrow you may just inspire someone to speak up and speak out.
#DABill
to protect ANYONE being abused by a partner
I'm always humbled & grateful to everyone who continue to remember Jack & Paul.Thank you for bringing love,joy and colour to keep their memory shining bright.
It was a huge honour to start the
#FunrunforJackandPaul
today in memory of
@clairethrossell
two sons. She’s fighting hard to change the law to prevent the deaths of more children and raise money for charity to help victims of
#DomesticAbuse
Click here to see how it went! 👇
@jessphillips
This amazing lady is an MP who tirelessly fights for the defenceless and voiceless throughout the UK. She speaks from the heart and pushes for change in the name of humanity. Nobody's life should be threatened for standing up for others. Stay safe Jess
Today I have had enough. Spent yesterday reading endless cases of murdered women and today I'm treated to threats on my life in the post. Violent misogyny sure is everywhere.
Much as I like Alison Hammond I've been left sick to my stomach watching her laugh discussing the Sussexes allegation of "Institutional gaslighting".Gaslighting is mental torture that breaks people apart.I'm still broken & always will be.Not This Mornings finest hour.
@SpringvalePS
It gives me great comfort to see the boys tree growing and nurtured to blossom just like the children at Springvale.Jack & Pauls memory continues to shine brightly in a place they loved to be, encouraged to learn, achieve and be happy.
Primary Schools funding must be increased in response to rising costs.With budgets squeezed already no head should have to struggle to keep pupils warm,fed & safe.These are every child's basic human rights & for some children Schools the only place where they are warm,safe & fed.
Happy Christmas to everyone who has given their time today to make everybody feel like somebody.From those making meals for the homeless or the lonely to ensuring children in Refuges and Hospices feel the magic too.Helplines,Lifelines that are always there you are all amazing
When the NHS was created 1 man had a vision for ALL.And now the people he sought to protect is being forced into food & fuel poverty.Pulling their own teeth out as they can't afford dental treatment & facing record waiting times for urgent medical treatment. Life in the UK 2022
So a snooker player has been issued a ban for physically assaulting his partner.He's deemed to have broken Snookers code of conduct.Pity they cannot see that Domestic violence breaks every law and rule in society and do more to eradicate it from sport instead.
This is the link to vote . Stunned and humbled to be nominated for this award.
@christinetalbot
,I'm just a grieving mum trying hard to exist in a new world while desparately trying to make a lasting difference in the old
#YCA19
@SpringvalePS
November a month of Remembrance and reflection. A big part of the school ethos is togetherness in learning and play and being kind to each other through good times and sad times. So I would like to say thank you for being kind to me. I am proud of our school and always will be.
Our Ambassador
@clairethrossell
calls on the government to give children and victims a voice. "Don't let their voices be lost along with the Domestic Abuse Bill."
#ChildFirst
@womensaid
wow thank you they are simply beautiful.Women have so much pressure to look beautiful, have a career and children run a home and be a perfect mum,wife or partner.Except we live in a imperfect world and ladies its ok to just be yourself.Believe in yourself and shine.
If only the large Corporate companies would be as willing to sponsor Domestic Abuse Campaigns as they are Sporting events.Under pressure as they are Hospitals & Police forces must brace themselves for a rise in domestic incidents over the next few weeks & month.
Announcing the annual Jack and Paul’s Fun Run
Saturday 8th June at 10:45am Penistone Showground with registration from 9am
This year we have a mascot, £1 to guess a name from the grid!
Link on our Facebook page to enter to race.
As we come to the end of
#16DaysOfActivism
please remember that it continues every minute,day and hour for those suffering abuse right now.Please sign and RT the
#Childfirst
petition because they deserve better. Thank you
@SpringvalePS
There's a special tree that when planted was wrapped in love, friendship & memories. Rooted in strength that continues to spread and grow. With hope it would flourish.Vibrant and nestled within school.A place to reflect,remember & hold tight to hope & love to Infinity and Beyond.
Tears in Heaven via
@YouTube
.The new
#DABill
has many vital changes for the better within it.But it will not prevent abusive parents taking their children's lives.Children like Jack and Paul.Please sign the
#childfirstCampaign
.Make a difference - today
Despite Brexit and all the complex issues that may bring .....we must not leave the EU without any new legislation in place to protect children and their families living in fear across our country.Thank you
@angelasmithmp
for your support it will change lives.
year ago & yet more women & children have been murdered due to Domestic Abuse.
@JessPhillipsMP
stands up every year in Parliament & names every woman I call on the Lords to do the same for every child.