Remembering Holly – the red flags for domestic abuse

Three years ago Holly Bramley’s life ended at the hands of her abuser. She was 26. 

In her memory Lincolnshire Police have been raising awareness of domestic abuse and highlighting the help and support available.

So, in the words of Holly’s mum, Annette: “She will live on in spite of him. Her love, her beauty, her mind, her soul, he could not take away.” 

Holly is pictured with some of the loved ones who lost her in March 2023 when she was murdered in her Lincoln home. 

These red flags signal abusive behaviour and are what Holly suffered at the hands of her killer Nicholas Metson

• Isolation from friends and family. 
• Monitoring of devices and accounts. 
• Harming, or threats to harm pets. 
• Constant checking on your whereabouts. 
• Threatening to hurt you, themselves, or others if you leave. 
• Love bombing and silent treatment. 
• Jealousy, suspicion, rage, control.

“If you recognise these behaviours, please know you are not alone, and there is help and support,” said a police spokesperson.

These include the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS), which offers information and advice on 01522 510041. 

If you have concerns that a partner or ex is abusive, you can ask under Clare’s Law (for yourself or someone else) if there is information that police hold that indicates they may be a risk. 

You can use 'safe spaces', available in pharmacies, where you can find out about your options and the support available. 

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is always open: 0808 2000 247