New Year Honours: Three West Country parents of women killed by ex-boyfriends receive OBEs

Three parents whose daughters were murdered by their ex-boyfriends have received honours for their work in tackling violence against women. 

Carole Gould and Julie Devey, co-founders of Killed Women, a group supporting families affected by male violence, have been made Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours.

They began campaigning after their daughters, Ellie Gould and Poppy Devey Waterhouse, were murdered in their homes by young men after they ended their relationships with them.

Another campaigner, Nick Gazzard, whose daughter Hollie, 20, was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2014, was also recognised for his work around domestic violence and stalking.

The trio were among several people recognised for working to protect women and girls.

Ms Gould and Ms Devey, from Wiltshire and Somerset respectively, said it would help them "continue to shine a light on their campaign" and put issues surrounding violence against women and girls in the "spotlight."

“Getting this far has been really hard and emotionally draining and, of course, will not bring our darling daughters back, but as we learn more and more about the injustices, and more and more families reach out to us, we are fired up to continue our work," they said.

“A bereaved mother is not to be messed with.”

The women have jointly called for an increase in the starting tariff for murders in the home, from 15 years to 25 years - the same as for killings outside the home.

Nick Gazzard set up the Hollie Gazzard Trust after she was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2014, and has dedicated his life's work to helping those affected by domestic abuse and stalking.

The 20-year-old was stabbed to death while working at a hair salon in Gloucester, just four days after she ended their relationship during which she suffered repeated violence at his hands.

Mr Gazzard, from Gloucester, said being made an OBE in the New Year Honours was also recognition of the work trustees, staff, volunteers and donors had given to the Hollie Gazzard Trust.

"Receiving an OBE is an incredible privilege and an honour. I’m truly humbled to have received this news, but it is a recognition I share with everyone who has supported the Hollie Gazzard Trust over the last decade," he said.

"From staff, trustees, volunteers, and sponsors, through to supporters and donors. My heartfelt thank you.

"Of course, the driving force is Hollie. I need to say a special thank you to her.

"We didn’t want her to be another statistic and our aim was to use her story to help others avoid what she went through.

"I’m sure she’s looking down on us with that huge smile, and proud about what is being achieved in her name.

"This award highlights the importance of continuing our efforts and inspires me to keep driving for change.”

The Trust has created the Hollie Guard app, which uses several safeguarding features designed to help those in a threatening situation. It also delivers workshops and programmes in school.

Mr Gazzard added: "Together, we have worked to raise awareness, provide education and offer hope to those affected by domestic abuse and stalking, societal issues that affect far too many lives.

"It is my hope that this recognition brings further attention to the cause and helps to create a safer, more supportive world for everyone."