Mother Advocates for New Legislation After 23-Year-Old Daughter’s Tragic Suicide Due to Ex-Partner’s Controlling Abuse

Chloe Holland’s life tragically ended at the age of 23, a victim of sustained abuse inflicted by her ex-boyfriend, Marc Masterton. The story of Chloe’s life and death is one of heartbreak and injustice, a tale that her mother, Sharon Holland, now tirelessly advocates to prevent from happening to others.

In Sharon’s living room, a poignant reminder of Chloe’s presence hangs on the wall—a large picture capturing a moment of motherhood and joy. Yet, behind the facade of happiness, Sharon now recognizes the signs of distress in her daughter’s eyes—the weariness, the thinness—that went unnoticed before tragedy struck. The photo was taken in the summer of 2022, and by the following March, Chloe was no longer alive.

Marc Masterton’s coercive and controlling behavior cast a shadow over Chloe’s life. He dictated what she wore, and who she saw, and subjected her to physical assaults. He monitored her every move, even going so far as to track her phone. His abuse escalated, culminating in horrific acts of violence, including hitting Chloe with a dumbbell and, chillingly, urging her to take her own life—ultimately, a suggestion she tragically acted upon. In August of the previous year, Masterton was sentenced to 41 months in prison after pleading guilty to coercive and controlling behavior, told The Mirror.

For Sharon, justice remains elusive. Masterton’s incarceration offers little solace for the irreplaceable loss of her daughter. She adamantly believes that Chloe’s death warrants a distinct legal response—a call to action she articulates through her campaign for “Chloe’s Law.” This proposed legislation would establish a new offense: “manslaughter by coercive control,” explicitly addressing cases where abusive behavior leads to suicide. It’s a plea for accountability and a recognition of the devastating impact of domestic abuse on its victims.

The Ministry of Justice’s reluctance to embrace Chloe’s Law is met with disappointment and frustration from Sharon and other advocates. Despite claims that existing laws suffice, Sharon contends that specific legislation targeting coercive control-induced suicides is necessary. She points out the alarming absence of manslaughter convictions in such cases, despite the stark reality that victims of domestic abuse are three times more likely to attempt suicide.

Chloe’s relationship with Masterton began innocuously during their school years but soon descended into a nightmare of manipulation and isolation. Masterton systematically cut Chloe off from her support network, including her young son from a previous relationship. Reports of abuse surfaced, with Chloe reaching out to her mother for help after suffering a black eye. Despite moments of seeking refuge, Chloe found herself repeatedly drawn back into Masterton’s orbit, a common pattern in abusive relationships.

The final tragedy unfolded on February 1, 2023, when Chloe live-streamed her intent to end her life. Sharon’s frantic efforts to intervene were in vain, as authorities discovered Chloe in a nearby wooded area, gravely injured. She fought for her life for five agonizing weeks before succumbing to her injuries on March 6.

In the aftermath of Chloe’s death, Sharon and her legal counsel are advocating for a comprehensive coroner’s inquest to uncover the full extent of the circumstances leading to her daughter’s demise. They argue that existing laws may not always prompt authorities to consider manslaughter charges in suicide cases stemming from coercive control.

While the Ministry of Justice maintains that current legislation is robust, Sharon insists on leveraging every legal avenue to ensure justice for victims like Chloe. Her tireless efforts include raising awareness through social media and support groups, but the pain of losing her daughter remains an unhealable wound—a profound loss that has forever altered Sharon’s life.

In the face of adversity, Sharon Holland stands as a beacon of resilience and advocacy, determined to honor her daughter’s memory by effecting meaningful change.