Enfield triple killer Kyle Clifford was jailed for life this week but questions are now being asked about how he came to develop a violent hatred of women

A protest in London against male violence on women — A protest in London protesting male violence against women (credit Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona via Unsplash)

The boss of a domestic abuse charity has said the Kyle Clifford triple murder case is a “tragic reminder” of the “misogynistic culture” in society.

Clifford, 26, was jailed for life yesterday (Tuesday 11th) after murdering his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt as well as her mother Carol and sister Hannah in their own home last July.

The Enfield man was able to buy a crossbow legally to carry out his attack but Abigail Ampofo, interim chief executive of Refuge, said the weapon used was less important than the intention behind the act of violence itself.

Commenting on the sentencing of Clifford yesterday, after the triple killer was told he would “never be released” from prison, Ampofo said: “No sentence can ever undo the pain caused by this devastating act of domestic homicide.

“The fact that this was a targeted attack by someone known to the victims – Louise’s ex-partner – highlights the very real danger posed by those who use violence to exert control over their intimate partners.

“This is a stark reminder that the risks of domestic violence do not end with a breakup or separation.

“It is shocking to many that dangerous weapons, like crossbows, can be accessed without proper registration or licensing, and we welcome the government’s continued consideration of tightening laws around such weapons.

“However, we must be clear: the real danger comes from the perpetrator, not just the tools they use. Tragically, we know that in domestic homicides, perpetrators will use whatever means they have at their disposal to carry out their violence.”

Louse Hunt (top), Hannah Hunt (bottom right) and Carol Hunt (bottom left) were all murdered by Kyle Clifford

According to police Clifford watched Andrew Tate videos in the run-up to the murders, with fears growing that the misogynist influencer is having a hugely damaging influence on teen boys and young men.

Ampofo continued: “The focus must continue to be on tackling violence against women and girls, addressing the misogynistic culture that enables these acts, and ensuring that those who perpetrate such violence are held accountable.

“A woman is killed by a partner or ex-partner every five days, most often in her own home, and [Tuesday’s] sentencing serves as a tragic reminder of this ongoing crisis.”

Refuge runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is the gateway to accessing specialist support across the country. The helpline is available 24/7:
Call 0808 2000 247
Visit nationaldahelpline.org.uk

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