Scars that Shine: Chloe Holland, Coercive Control Law Petition
Domestic abuse is a heartbreaking reality for millions of women around the world. Far too often, the stories of those who suffer in silence end in unimaginable tragedy. Trapped, isolated, and powerless, many women come to believe that death is their only escape.
Imagine living every moment on edge, with your self-worth shattered and your desperation for freedom just out of reach. Leaving an abusive partner is never as simple as walking out the door. The psychological chains, forged through years of manipulation, threats, and the corrosive erosion of self-esteem, are often stronger than any physical restraint.
Too often, we ask, "Why didn't she just leave?" But the question we should be asking is, "What made her believe she couldn't?" For many, the fear of retaliation, losing their children, financial ruin, or having nowhere to go weighs heavier than the abuse itself. When a woman is told repeatedly that she is worthless, that no one will believe her, that she cannot survive without her abuser, those lies become her reality. And when the hope of rescue dims to nothing, the only remaining illusion of control is to end the pain on her own terms.
The toll of domestic violence is staggering. Professor Sylvia Walby’s 2004 study estimated that one in eight of all female suicides and suicide attempts in the UK are linked to domestic abuse. This means that each year, 200 women take their own lives and 10,000 attempt to do so as a direct result of the violence they endure.
Chloe Holland was one of them.
A beautiful, bright, and loving 23-year-old from Portsmouth, Chloe tragically took her own life after enduring a relentless year-long campaign of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her partner, Marc Masterton. Her story is heartbreaking, but it has also become a rallying cry for justice and change.
Chloe’s nightmare began in early 2022 when she entered a relationship with Masterton. It wasn’t long before his true nature surfaced. He isolated her from family and friends, dictated how she dressed, and subjected her to repeated verbal and physical assaults. Despite the growing concern of those close to her, Chloe felt trapped, unable to break free from the psychological grip of her abuser.
In February 2023, the abuse reached a breaking point. Overwhelmed and without hope, Chloe took her own life. Her devastated mother, Sharon Holland, has since become a fierce advocate for justice, determined that her daughter’s suffering will not be in vain. Sharon believes that when domestic abuse leads to suicide, the abuser should be held accountable—not just for coercive and controlling behaviour but for the ultimate consequence of their actions.
Marc Masterton was sentenced to 41 months in prison after being found guilty of coercive and controlling behaviour, based on evidence submitted before Chloe’s death. But for Sharon and those who loved Chloe, this punishment does not reflect the gravity of what happened.
In response, Sharon started a petition calling for a change in the law: a legal framework that would allow for manslaughter charges in cases where abusers drive their victims to take their own lives. Although this was initially rejected by the Ministry of Justice in January 2024, citing that proving a causal link between abuse and suicide "is always likely to be challenging but the existing law is capable of covering manslaughter caused by an unlawful act or course of conduct," Sharon has refused to give up.
In early February 2025, her tireless fight saw a breakthrough: coercive control would now be treated like other domestic abuse offences, opening the door to stronger legal consequences. But Sharon’s battle is far from over. Her campaign continues to gather support from domestic abuse charities, legal experts, and members of Parliament. Advocates argue that recognising the link between coercive control and suicide would be a powerful deterrent and a crucial step toward justice for victims who can no longer speak for themselves.
Chloe was a beautiful soul who deserved so much better, Sharon said in a recent interview. “No family should have to go through this. The law must acknowledge the deadly impact of psychological abuse.”
Chloe's story, and the stories of so many others, serve as stark reminders of the devastating impact of domestic abuse. The tragedy is not that these women are weak—on the contrary, they endure what most could never imagine, with astounding strength and grace, until that strength runs out. The world may never hear their stories because abusers are experts at hiding their crimes, and victims are often too ashamed or terrified to speak out. But their pain is real. And their deaths are preventable.
So, what can we do? We can listen. We can believe. We can make sure every woman knows she is not alone, and that there are people who will stand with her, fight for her, and help her rebuild her life. We must break the stigma that keeps victims silent and hold abusers accountable for their crimes. We shouldn't accept a world where any woman feels so trapped that death seems like her only escape.
To support Sharon Holland's cause and be a voice for those who can no longer speak, join her Facebook group: Her Name Was Chloe Holland.