Petition calling for change in domestic violence law in memory of Caroline Gore tops 50,000 signatures

A Manchester Evening News campaign to change the domestic violence laws following the brutal murder of a much-loved mum at her home in Wigan has reached a major milestone.

More than 50,000 people have now signed our petition in memory of Caroline Gore, who was stabbed to death by her abusive ex-partner David Liptrot in October last year. The 44-year-old's murder came less than four weeks after Liptrot appeared in court for breaching a restraining order for a second time.

But rather than being sent to prison, he received a suspended sentence and was allowed to walk free - with devastating consequences. With the support of Caroline's family the M.E.N. is now calling for a mandatory prison sentence for breaches of protective orders.

READ MORE: 'My mum was taken away by a monster deemed fit to walk the streets'

Since it was launched earlier this month more than 50,000 people have signed our petition. And our campaign has also been backed by domestic abuse charities, Wigan council, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and several MPs.

This week safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said the M.E.N.'s campaign could lead to change as the government trials a long-awaited new scheme aimed at protecting domestic abuse victims in Greater Manchester. Domestic Abuse Protection Orders will allow courts to impose electronic tagging to make sure perpetrators are adhering to them with the Home Office promising 'tougher sanctions' for rule breakers.

Support our campaign here

It's an important step in the right direction. But we believe more can and should be done.

Because, in the words of Caroline's only daughter Megan: "How many other people need to die before someone does something?"