Gerry Steward has expressed her hope that a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of her sister, Tracey Kidd, will help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Tracey, aged 57, developed a friendship with Paul Vissers through prison correspondence while he was incarcerated at Peterborough and later at HMP Norwich. Their relationship deepened, and they were together following Vissers’ release in April 2019. Tragically, Tracey’s life ended a year later, in March 2020, when her body was discovered at a property in London after concerns arose for her wellbeing. It was determined that she had died from a head injury.

In a twist of fate, Vissers, who had been serving time for armed robbery, was charged with Tracey’s murder. Ultimately, he pleaded guilty to its manslaughter in 2021, receiving a ten-year sentence—comprising six years in custody followed by four years on licence—during a hearing at Wood Green Crown Court. Evidence presented at the trial revealed that Tracey had endured prolonged periods of controlling and abusive behaviour at the hands of Vissers, effectively isolating her from her family and subjecting her to both physical and emotional trauma.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, a Domestic Abuse Related Death Review (DARDR) was conducted by the Norfolk Community Safety Partnership in collaboration with the Hackney Community Safety Partnership. The review emphasised the necessity of improved communication and information sharing between agencies to identify risk factors associated with domestic abuse. Recommendations included implementing systematic enquiries to uncover domestic and economic abuse, and enhancing safeguards for individuals in contact with incarcerated offenders.

Gerry Steward welcomed the findings of the review but described the emotional toll of its publication as bittersweet, recalling the vibrant person Tracey was. “I hope this will help prevent future tragedies,” she remarked, noting her own responsibility in introducing Tracey to Vissers during a time when she was feeling isolated and bored. After discovering that Vissers had no friends or correspondence, Gerry encouraged her sister to connect with him, a decision she later lamented, feeling that it contributed to Tracey’s untimely death.

Tracey was deeply loved and missed; a grandmother and great-grandmother, she left behind a family grieving her loss. Her funeral, held in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, faced limitations on attendees, yet friends and family gathered outside in support. The report’s recommendations aim to prevent similar outcomes in the future, as another of Tracey’s sisters stated, “No-one should have to live in fear or silence… We owe it to those we’ve lost, and those still with us, to listen, to learn, and to act.”

Beyond Tracey’s case, the reviews highlight broader issues within domestic abuse contexts, including the need to recognise coercive control and financial abuse across demographics. For instance, findings from other DARDR cases underscore the necessity for agencies to adapt practices that acknowledge and respond effectively to both male and elderly victims of domestic violence. These revelations point to systemic failings in addressing domestic abuse, advocating for a more compassionate and accountable approach across all protective services.

The insights gained from these reviews have been positioned as potential catalysts for change, urging local agencies and communities to take decisive action. This call for reform aims not just to reflect on past failures, but to create future safeguards that prioritise safety and welfare for all vulnerable individuals.

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Source: Noah Wire Services