A woman who had her life torn apart after her abusive ex-husband killed their two sons in a deliberate fire is working to bring an end to violence against women and children. Campaigner Claire Throssell MBE, of South Yorkshire, attended the opening of a new women's centre in Mansfield on Wednesday, March 8.
In support of the new Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy being formed by agencies across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Claire shared her own experience with an abusive partner, which ultimately led to her two sons, Jack and Paul, aged 12 and 9, dying in her arms after a house fire was set by their dad, Darren Sykes.
Claire began her talk by explaining how her ex partner of 16 years abused her emotionally, mentally and physically, and how where others may have seen a couple hold hands as they dropped their kids off, this tight grip was actually one of the many methods he used to have constant control of her. Claire described how her children used to be amazed when realising other parents did not hurt each other or their children.
