Recognising domestic violence as a cause of death: One mother’s long fight

[Jawahir Al-Naimi/Al Jazeera]

Contains references to self-harm, sexual violence, domestic abuse and suicide. 

A talented hairdresser with a knack for convincing people to get dressed up in fancy dress for parties, Jessica Laverack (affectionately known as Jessie) was the youngest of three siblings, owned 52 pets at one point, and warmly jostled with her elder sister for their mother, Phyllis’s, attention, even as adults.