Grieving mother Annette Bramley launches #ForHolly domestic abuse awareness campaign in memory of Holly Bramley with Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service

A grieving mother has started a campaign in memory of her brutally murdered daughter to raise greater awareness about domestic abuse.

Holly Bramley, 26, was stabbed to death by husband Nicholas Metson in Lincoln in 2023. In April he was sentenced to life in prison and must serve at least 20 years.

The #ForHolly campaign was launched on Thursday, September 26, by Holly’s mum Annette Bramley, working with the Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service.

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.”

Over the coming weeks the campaign will highlight what Holly endured at the hands of the ‘evil monster’ and aims to reach others to improve their understanding of what domestic abuse is.

Detective chief inspector Rachael Cox is the lead for domestic abuse at Lincolnshire Police.

DCI Cox 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.”

Holly was described by her family as ‘a beautiful, caring, innocent soul who had a kindness and warmth that affected everyone she met’ and is at peace now.

Her experience of domestic abuse only ended when her life was taken — the most tragic and devastating of outcomes.

The police, charities and agencies know there are countless people who are enduring domestic abuse and living with it daily.

It will raise awareness about what action can be taken by those suffering at the hands of an abuser on behalf of Holly and for every person who suffers domestic abuse.

Holly’s family, who live in South Holland, said: “Holly’s life ended at the hands of the abusive man who was supposed to love her.

“In memory of Holly, we are working together to raise awareness of the help and support available for domestic abuse.”

A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson added: “Annette has been absolutely determined to do this because she wants to help others.”

The campaign’s current focus is on promoting Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.

Clare’s Law enables the police to give information about a partner, or ex-partner’s, previous history of abusive or violent offending.

Information is only given to the person at risk, but anyone can ask. If you are a worried that a relative or friend could be at risk of domestic abuse, you can make a Clare’s Law application on their behalf.

You can request information under Clare’s Law, via Lincolnshire Police, here.

Annette said: “Let's make domestic abuse everyone's business. For Holly's sake.”

If you have been affected by any of these issues visit here https://www.lincs.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations/ for further information.

For information and help visithttps://ldass.org.uk/.

Support the #ForHolly campaign has also been launched on the force’s social media platforms.