TV | UTV’s current affairs series ‘Up Close’ investigates domestic violence murders

‘It’s a pandemic in itself” – Sonya McMullan, Women’s Aid

The next episode of UTV’s current affairs programme ‘Up Close’ investigates a dramatic increase in extreme violence against women in Northern Ireland.

Presented by UTV reporter Sarah Clarke, she speaks to local families and survivors left devastated by domestic violence, and asks key statutory bodies, politicians, charities and the legal profession what more can be done to protect both women and children.

UTV's Sarah Clarke

And for the first time on local TV, police have released body cam footage which was taken during a report of a violent domestic incident.

Jenny Hunter’s now ex-husband Mark had assaulted her in their home in front of their two children. Police comment that this type of footage will help with convictions, allowing juries to see exactly what the police and victims experience.

Jenny speaks to the team about that night, warning others, “It’s not worth staying and it doesn’t get better.”

PSNI Bodycam footage of Mark Hunter.

Whilst Mark Hunter did not go to jail for this attack, he is currently serving time in jail for a vicious assault on a new partner whom he kicked in the stomach. She was pregnant at the time.

Sarah examines two recent domestic murder cases in Northern Ireland, that of Stacey Knell whose former boyfriend Ken Flanagan first killed his mother Karen McClean, and then her, before taking his own life; and Joleen Corr, whose partner Michael O’Connor beat her so badly she was in a vegetative state for 17 months before passing away. Her mother, Carol, refers to him as a ‘monster’ saying, “He left her like a piece of rubbish.”

Carol Corr speaking about her daughter Joleen.

Sarah also speaks to the experts about the effectiveness of Domestic Homicide Reviews; the Domestic Abuse and Violence Disclosure Scheme which allows concerned partners or relatives to enquire if they suspect someone has had a violent past; and the newly introduced coercive control and stalking laws.

Justice Minister Naomi Long.

Justice Minister Naomi Long and Prof. Monica McWilliams give their views on why domestic violence is such a societal problem in Northern Ireland, citing several reasons, from people not wanting to interfere, and distrust of the police and the judicial system stemming from the Troubles.

Monica McWilliams has studied the links between political and domestic violence, and points out that misogynistic attitudes to women have been slow to change in Northern Ireland.

Prof Monica McWilliams talking on UTV's Up Close.

Sarah also highlights how domestic violence cuts across all classes and sexualities. She examines the rise in domestic violence incidents among the LGBT community, with the Rainbow Project exclusively sharing with the programme the results of a recent survey which showed that 70% of those interviewed who had experienced domestic violence had NOT reported it to the police.

Some men are speaking out and Sarah heads to Larne Football Club, where players are the first footballers in the Irish League to sign up to the ‘White Ribbon Campaign’ where they have pledged to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

Tiernan Lynch Manager Larne FC.

Players and Manager Tiernan Lynch tell Sarah about what it means to them, and hope that others will follow their example.

Sarah said: “This programme not only highlights the tragedy that can follow from domestic violence, but also asks serious questions about our so-called civilised society, what can be done to change attitudes and how the legal system could support victims better.

Sonya McMullan from Women's Aid.

“Whilst the stories are harrowing, survivors have told us there is hope and help is out there for victims.

“We thank everyone involved in the programme for the part they have played in highlighting this issue, especially the victims’ families for their bravery and dignity.”

‘Up Close – Home Terror’ airs tonight, Thursday 10 March at 10.45pm on UTV.