"We need to work better together" - tackling sexual violence in Hertfordshire
Red Kite are speaking out after the sentencing of Kyle Clifford earlier this week
A charity supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse in Hertfordshire and West Essex say a societal change is needed to help change the narrative around abuse towards women.
Red Kite's talking about sexual abuse after the sentencing of Kyle Clifford on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old has been given a life order, for the rape and murder of his ex-partner Louise Hunt, as well as the murders of her sister, Hannah, and her mother, Carol.
The family were murdered at their home in Ashlyn Close in July 2024, with Clifford pre-meditating the killings after Louise ended her 18-month relationship with him.
Siobhan Nundram, Board Chair at Red Kite, believes society has a role to play to help eradicate violence against women and girls.
"Society needs to know more, the impact of what rape and sexual abuse, and any kind of sexual violence, does to people, and the lives it tears apart.
"I think we need to make society more accountable, so that, actually people don't allow perpetrators to hide in their midst."
Siobhan believes a society that turns away from rape is part of the issue that is behind continued acts of violence and sexual violence against women such as Carol, Hannah and Louise.
"To lose anybody, and particularly young women in the bloom of their lives before they're able to achieve their dreams is horrific. But to lose them in such a cruel, senseless way, must be doubly devastating."
"We do need to change society, we need to change how the criminal justice system operates, so that we get more people to have confidence to report the crimes against them.
"Because we have a duty as a citizen to report a crime.
Red Kite are seeing an increase in support for stalker behaviour, and post-relationship abuse, with more people reporting their ex-partner's have hidden cameras in their houses.
Siobhan told Greatest Hits Radio a partnership approach is needed to help eradicate sexual violence, with an improved working together mentality.
"I believe in restorative justice, and I believe in people regret what they've done and starting a fresh. But I think we need to do more of that kind of work, rather than moping up more and more and more of the people who have suffered damage as a result."