Leeds, England — In a tearful yet determined recounting, Julie Devey shared the excruciating journey following the tragic murder of her daughter, Poppy Devey Waterhouse. Just 24 years old when her life was cut short in 2018 by her ex-boyfriend Joe Atkinson, Poppy’s story has now become a rallying point in a broader conversation about domestic violence and the inadequacies of the reviews designed to prevent such atrocities.
Julie described Poppy as “a bright button,” full of life and aspirations, with a passion for travel and a zest for new experiences. Instead of embarking on the next chapter of her life, Poppy became a statistic in a staggering narrative of domestic abuse, leaving her family to grapple with their profound loss. In a fit of rage, Atkinson repeatedly stabbed Poppy, inflicting over 100 injuries. He pleaded guilty to the murder in 2019 and was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in prison.
The process of understanding and analyzing the circumstances surrounding Poppy’s murder took more than five years through a Domestic Homicide Review (DHR), aimed at identifying lessons to prevent future tragedies. For Julie, the lengthy wait was “excruciating.” “You think you’re prepared for it, but you’re not,” she said, describing the emotional turmoil as she read through various drafts of the report.
Initially questioning the portrayal in the review, Julie felt it overshadowed Poppy’s voice, instead focusing too heavily on Atkinson. After significant revisions, the final report published by the Home Office in May revealed a drastically different perspective. While Julie believes the document captures more of Poppy’s essence, she remains aware that the recommendations offered, though necessary, amount to “small things.”
In the wake of Poppy’s tragic death, Safer Leeds, a safety partnership involving local agencies, conducted the review, only to conclude that her murder was neither predictable nor preventable. The findings prompted recommendations for increased awareness regarding domestic abuse, particularly in recognizing obsessive and controlling behaviors that could escalate during relationship separations.
Julie’s frustrations extend beyond the prolonged review process. Words and phrases within early drafts felt dismissive of Atkinson’s actions, which further complicated her attempts to make Poppy the centerpiece of the investigation. “Poppy needed to be recognized for who she was—her spirit should lead this narrative,” she remarked, stressing the importance of ensuring that victims are prioritized in such reviews.
This issue resonates with families who have sadly endured similar losses. Many have voiced their concerns about the time required for DHRs to conclude, which often stretches beyond the recommended six months. A BBC investigation found that only a mere 1% of domestic abuse-related death reviews are completed in this timeline, leading to prolonged trauma for the bereaved.
To address these inefficiencies, the government has announced the establishment of a new oversight board aimed at expediting the review process. Jess Phillips, the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, underscored the necessity of timely and effective reviews in improving safeguarding practices to prevent future deaths.
As families advocate for systemic change, Julie Devey has become a powerful voice for justice, campaigning for stricter penalties for domestic murders. She believes proactive measures can bridge the gaps inherent in the review process, making it more sensitive and focused on the victims. Simple requests, such as including a photograph of the victim in discussions, could shift the narrative away from merely administrative proceedings to one that honors lives lost.
The journey remains tough, but for Julie, each step taken in Poppy’s name helps illuminate the challenges ahead—reminding society that behind every statistic lies a story worthy of recognition and change.