Plans for a new law recognising teenage relationship abuse have been welcomed as a major breakthrough by the family of Holly Newton, the 15-year-old murdered by her former boyfriend in Hexham in January 2023.
Holly’s mother and stepfather, Micala Trussler and Lee Trussler, were told of the proposed legal change during a meeting with Satvir Kaur, the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, at the Home Office in London on Monday (November 2).
The move follows years of campaigning by the Trusslers and Hollys Hope, the charity established in Holly’s memory. The family has been pressing for greater recognition of abuse in teenage relationships, including a review of the age limit in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
That legislation did not recognise domestic abuse in cases involving children under 16. The proposed standalone definition is intended to ensure that abusive behaviour in teenage relationships is identified and responded to more effectively.
Government acknowledges failures before Holly’s death
In a letter sent to Micala Trussler before the meeting, Ms Kaur said the Government’s review found that domestic abuse involving children was too often overlooked, minimised or misunderstood. It also found that warning signs were missed and opportunities to intervene were lost.
“Holly was a victim of abuse. That should have been recognised and acted on by the services whose job it is to keep children safe.”
Ms Kaur said existing systems for identifying, protecting and supporting children were already in place, but were not always applied properly. She described the failings that let children such as Holly down as “totally unacceptable”.
The Government also said young people’s lives could be devastated by abusive relationships in the same way as adults’ lives. Its planned action includes improving prevention and responses in education and children’s social care, tackling harmful behaviour among young people, and improving how police recognise and respond to concerns.
Although the Government has outlined the proposed approach, the legal changes still need to be implemented.
Family says change could protect other children
Writing on the Hollys Hope social media page, Micala Trussler described the announcement as a huge step forward after years of heartbreak, frustration, tears and campaigning. She said the charity was finally beginning to see the change for which it had fought.
“A change that has come far too late for our beautiful Holly, but one that could save the lives of other children.”
She said a specific recognition of teenage relationship abuse could help children experiencing abuse, coercive control, manipulation and violence in their own relationships to receive the protection and support they deserve.
Ms Trussler said the Government’s acknowledgement of failures by services before Holly’s death meant a great deal to the family, but was also painful to read.
“For us, these aren't just words in a Government letter. They are the reality of what happened to our daughter.”
She added that campaigning could never bring Holly home, but said her daughter’s story and name could help change how teenage relationship abuse is recognised and prevent another family from suffering similar pain.
Northumberland support for the proposed law
Susan Dungworth, Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said she was delighted by the Government’s plans and recognised how hard the Trusslers had campaigned.
“Holly was too young to be recognised as a victim of domestic abuse, and this change is about making sure other young people don't fall through the gaps.”
Ms Dungworth said teenage relationships could look different from adult relationships and needed to be recognised in a way that secured appropriate protection and support for young people. She credited Micala and Lee Trussler with making a real difference through their determination to create change in Holly’s memory.
Hexham MP Joe Morris, who supported Micala Trussler’s campaign in Parliament and in discussions with ministers, also welcomed the announcement.
“Holly was failed, and this is a major victory that is a testament to Micala's tireless work.”
He described a standalone definition of abuse in teenage relationships as a significant step towards honouring Holly’s memory in law. The Government’s next steps are expected to focus on developing and implementing the proposed legal definition, alongside improvements across education, children’s social care and policing.