Woman Reveals How She Watched Her Dad Stab Her Mom 36 Times but Still Had to Live with Him After He Left Jail

In a poignant and harrowing account, Gemma Ahern, now 36, recalls the traumatic day when she witnessed her father murder her mother, Carol Quinton, at the tender age of three. In an interview with the BBC, Ahern described how the devastating event has shaped her life, highlighting the ongoing struggles that children of violent crimes face, particularly when the perpetrator is a parent.

The incident, which unfolded in 1992, saw Quinton stabbed 36 times with a pair of scissors, a horrific assault that Ahern witnessed firsthand while having breakfast in her family home. Her father’s actions led to a manslaughter conviction, resulting in a four-year prison sentence, of which he served just two. Upon his release, Ahern was placed back into his care, a decision she describes as deeply harmful.

“There hasn’t been a time where my wellbeing has been put before my dad’s,” Ahern told the BBC, reflecting on the impact that living with her father after such a traumatic event has had on her mental health. This troubling reality resonates with many who have endured similar experiences, where the rights of the convicted overshadow the needs of the innocent.

Ahern’s mother, then just 26, had sought to leave her marriage, a situation that allegedly triggered the fatal attack. Ahern recalls, “I was downstairs having my breakfast when it happened. My dad came downstairs and grabbed a big pair of tailoring scissors from the drawer. I followed him upstairs and saw him stab my mum 35 more times. That’s the only memory I have of her.”

Following her father’s conviction, Ahern lived with her grandparents while he served his time. However, the transition back into her father’s home, where he retained full parental responsibilities, proved to be detrimental to her wellbeing. She described her childhood as one focused on emotional suppression, leading to mental health struggles later in life. Diagnosed with complex PTSD and ADHD, Ahern has been on a journey to address the trauma that has lingered since her early years.

Now, Ahern is championing what is known as Jade’s Law, legislation aimed at protecting children whose parents have committed violent acts against their partners. The proposed law would automatically suspend parental rights for individuals convicted of killing a partner with whom they share children. “It will better protect children by preventing killers from having any say over key elements of their life,” Ahern stated.

Jade’s Law is named after Jade Ward, a victim of domestic violence whose tragic death in 2021 sparked a movement for legal reform. While the law was passed in May 2024, its implementation has yet to be realised, leaving many like Ahern advocating for change.

Reflecting on her own experiences, Ahern said staying with her father post-attack has been “unbelievably detrimental.” She urged for a system where children in similar situations could reside with their maternal families and receive adequate support from child services. “I was brought up by him and his new wife — who was horrible to me,” Ahern recounted. She emphasised that her father maintained complete emotional and financial control over her during her formative years.

As a mother herself now, Ahern is determined to see Jade’s Law brought into effect. She plans to meet with parliamentary representatives alongside the charity Children Heard and Seen to push for the enforcement of this essential legislation. “It’s almost always the case that the killer gets treated better than the child who’s lost a parent,” she remarked.

The Ministry of Justice has expressed its commitment to swiftly implement Jade’s Law to mitigate further trauma for affected families. “We are committed to implementing Jade’s Law as swiftly and safely as possible,” a spokesperson stated.

Ahern’s efforts signify a crucial step towards not only acknowledging the unique struggles faced by children of violent crime but advocating for their protection and wellbeing in a system that often overlooks their needs. Her story stands as a testament to the necessity of reform and the vital importance of placing children’s welfare at the forefront when addressing parental rights following violent acts.