Mina Smallman, the first female archdeacon from an ethnic minority background, has spoken out about the murder of her two daughters and the subsequent police misconduct that added to her trauma. In a new podcast, she describes how she found the strength to campaign for justice despite her grief.
Smallman's daughters were killed after a birthday celebration, but police failed to search for them promptly. Friends and family eventually discovered their bodies. Later, it emerged that officers had taken and shared selfies with the victims' bodies at the crime scene, a revelation that caused national outrage.
Rather than succumbing to despair, Smallman became an activist against violence towards women and now gives talks to police forces. She has forgiven the murderer but insists she cannot forgive the police until they change their behaviour. Her memoir, 'A Better Tomorrow: Life Lessons in Hope & Strength', details her journey.
Smallman, who grew up in poverty and became a teacher as a single parent, says her faith and family have been central to her resilience. She continues to campaign for accountability and reform within the police.
