Nearly 12 years after the murder of 20-year-old Hollie Gazzard by her abusive ex-partner, her family say they are incredibly proud that her story is now helping to protect young people across the country.
Hollie’s experience has been used by the government to help inform its new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, published today, which sets out plans to tackle abuse, stalking and misogyny, and to halve violence against women and girls within the next decade.
Hollie was murdered in 2014 after suffering months of coercive control and stalking. Her death shocked the nation and highlighted the dangers faced by women leaving abusive relationships – a time experts say is often the most dangerous.
Her family went on to establish the Hollie Gazzard Trust, which works to educate young people about the warning signs of abusive and controlling behaviour, and to improve protection for those at risk.
Speaking as the new VAWG strategy is published, the Trust said Hollie’s story continues to drive its work.
“At the Hollie Gazzard Trust, we know the importance of making children and young people aware of the warning signs of abusive and controlling behaviour, and how to make positive choices in all their relationships,” a spokesperson said.
“In Hollie’s name, we go into schools, colleges and universities and talk to young people about her story and what could have made a difference.”
The Trust says it now hopes to expand that work further, supported by the new government strategy, to reach primary school children and parents, helping families navigate the pressures of modern life both online and offline.
The charity also continues to campaign for better protection for victims of domestic abuse and stalking, particularly those at the point of leaving a relationship.
“Like Hollie, many women who reach the stage where they are ready to end abusive relationships want support and help to stay safe,” the Trust said. “Too often they are being let down by a system that does not fully recognise the risks of ex-partner stalking, or the danger posed when abusers lose control.”
Using the new VAWG strategy as a framework, the Trust plans to continue working with police forces and support services across the UK to provide its Hollie Guard EXTRA safety app to people at the highest risk of domestic homicide.
The app offers enhanced monitoring and rapid access to help, and the Trust says it is vital that ex-partner stalking is identified earlier and safeguarding put in place when victims are ready and need it most.
“Violence against women and girls is a national epidemic,” the Trust said. “We are more determined than ever to ensure the lives of women like Hollie were not lost in vain, and that those with the power to make change listen, learn lessons, and take action that will save lives.”
As part of the government’s plans, all secondary schools in England will be required to teach students about healthy relationships, in an effort to tackle misogyny and abusive behaviours early.
The safeguarding minister is expected to set out further details in Parliament later today, including measures aimed at halving violence against women and girls within ten years.
For Hollie’s family, the strategy represents another step towards ensuring her legacy continues to protect others.
“Hollie should still be here,” the Trust said. “But if her story can help even one young person recognise danger sooner, or help one woman stay safe, then her life – and her voice – continues to make a difference.”