Operation Lighthouse: Reflections on our Family's Devastating Story of Coercive Control and Domestic Homicide

Why would an ‘ordinary’ father murder his family?

On 19 July 2016, Claire and Charlotte Hart were murdered in broad daylight, by the family’s father using a sawn-off shotgun. He then committed suicide.

Luke and Ryan Hart, the two surviving sons, open up about their experiences growing up and the circumstances surrounding the murders. They hope to highlight the patterns of behaviour in coercive control and its deadly consequences, improving public awareness and leading to informed discussion on domestic abuse.
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Reviews

Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of Labour Party‘In the words of the great Angela Davis, “I’m no longer accepting the things I cannot change, I’m changing the things I cannot accept”, and it is with this boldness that Luke and Ryan have used their own experience of domestic abuse to help others.’

Victoria Derbyshire, BBC ‘A powerful, searing account from incredible brothers and an important contribution to our understanding of domestic abuse.’

Suzanne Jacob OBE, Chief Executive SafeLives ‘A determination to create light from darkness.’

‘From the locksmith who nodded and silently understood, to the rental agents, to all of us pushing down the instincts we have about a friend or a family member, it's time we break the collusion and put a relentless spotlight on the person responsible for the abuse, the perpetrator.’

Sandra Horley CBE, Chief Executive Refuge ‘I have been working at Refuge for 35 years, yet I am humbled by the sheer courage and sense of righteousness Luke and Ryan have shown since their mother and sister were brutally killed at the hands of their father.’

‘This book ensures that Claire and Charlotte’s memories live on in the brothers’ dedication to ensuring others do not endure what they retell.’

Katie Ghose, Chief Executive Women’s Aid ‘What Luke and Ryan have achieved by writing Operation Lighthouse is to give their mother and sister a voice.’

‘Luke and Ryan Hart become the lighthouse in this book, courageously sending out their warning signal about the danger of coercive control and why it must always be taken seriously.’

Chris Green OBE, Founder White Ribbon UK ‘I knew that their story was one which millions should hear.’

‘It is the most relevant and inspiring account that I have heard in the 15 years I have been active in challenging men’s abuse and violence towards women and girls.’