Woman, Girl: Our devasting story of control, abuse and domestic homicide

by Luke Hart, Ryan Hart

A devastating story of coercive control and domestic homicide. Why would an 'ordinary' father murder his family?

On 19 July 2016, Claire and Charlotte Hart were murdered in broad daylight, by the family's father using a sawn-off shotgun. He then committed suicide.

Luke and Ryan Hart, the two surviving sons, open up about their experiences growing up and the circumstances surrounding the murders. They hope to highlight the patterns of behaviour in coercive control and its deadly consequences, improving public awareness and leading to informed discussion on domestic abuse.

As featured in The Telegraph, The Sun, ITV, Channel 5, BBC Radio 5 Live and many more.

240 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2019

Reviews

[Steph Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a honest account of how life can be in this situation. My heart goes out to all the people who suffer from this in their own homes xxx

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in an abusive home I often saw my mom beaten and she had no control over anything in her life eventually she escaped my father's abuse I myself then got involved in an abusive relationship and I managed to escape it I knew no different it's all I had ever known my father went on to murder his new wife after she left him and he also killed her new partner because he couldn't share her with anyone else that was his excuse it really needs to be talked about it shouldn't be a taboo subject this book highlights so much and I think the surviving brothers are doing something positive out of a tragedy it's a must read women and children experience this everyday and it needs to be stopped no one deserves to live like this and the only way it will stop is if people take a stand against it we need to change people's views on domestic abuse or things will never change and there will be more tragedies like this one and we need to stop victim shaming it should be the abuser who feels shame after all they created it if you know anyone suffering abuse please give them your support and reach out to them it could potentially save lives

[Erin Wickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartbreaking book about something close to my heart. The way Luke and Ryan speak about their mother, Claire and their sister, Charlotte, is so beautiful and I feel like I know you all just from reading this book - as you said, this book is your mother and sister’s legacy, educating and evolving the world with your words. I would urge everyone and anyone to read this book, it is so powerful and sadly also relevant still today.
Thank you, Luke and Ryan for your book and changing my life with your words. I feel stronger after reading your book and I know Claire and Charlotte are proud of you❤️

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this more stars but felt that there was not enough in the book about the family life but more about why domestic abuse happens, the reasonings behind it and statistics

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The murders of Claire and Charlotte Hart were senseless and tragic. Luke and Ryan Hart - Claire’s sons and Charlotte’s brothers - bravely lay down their emotions in this book and write about their grief and mother/sister so beautifully. They are now spokespeople for domestic abuse and in my opinion are a credit to their mother and sister.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sad true account of two brothers experience with a abusive father and the awful tragedy they faced when he murdered their mother and sister. I do have to admit I would have liked to know some more about the family as I felt I was re reading the signs of dosmetic abuse. On the other hand I do feel they gave so much information for awareness and for dosmetic violence victims to spot the signs as not all abuse is violent as this book explained. I truly wish the best for both brothers I'm sure your mother and sister are looking down with pride.

[Jaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching