We saw signs of domestic abuse, but we didn't know how to protect Stacy

The Hunter family recognized clear signs of manipulation, control, and abuse from Stacy's estranged husband Jim Mair before his murder. Despite his violent temper directed at household objects, Stacy's brother Sean and mother Ann feared intervening might escalate the situation. When Stacy attempted to end the marriage, Mair's abuse intensified.

Three weeks before the murder, he was accused of strangling her and released on bail. Stacy's family believes the system failed her, a strong and independent woman who loved her family. Women's Aid highlights misconceptions about domestic abuse, such as assuming it only involves physical violence or that victims would simply leave.

Stacy's family wishes authorities had intervened more when signs of abuse were evident. Sean admitted that leaving would not have been easy, as Stacy grappled with fear of her husband and desire to protect her children from instability. Lynne Mackenzie, a domestic abuse survivor, initiated a petition for GPS monitoring of high-risk abusers on bail, including exclusion zones around victims.

While Scotland's government acknowledges the petition, they stress the importance of collective action to address violence against women. Stacy's family now wishes to remember her by her pre-marriage surname Hunter. Radio Scotland Mornings discussed the petition and issues of violence against women, and listeners can find more information on the full program.