THIS week’s story about the murder of Samantha Gosney will provoke a range of emotions among Star readers.

Anger, horror, disbelief and sadness will be some of them.

READ MORE > OPINION: We admire Marie McCourt's courage, resilience and energy

What Brettle did was evil. It was an act of unspeakable violence.

St Helens Star:

Murderer Adam Brettle

St Helens and its communities have a huge problem with domestic violence.

This is the second murder in the past six months, where a woman has been killed in the home by her partner.

Sadly, behind closed doors there will be many more relationships where partners are being harmed, either mentally or physically, by controlling partners.

As a community we need to encourage these victims to seek help to break free from the cycle of abuse.

Over the course of the next year, the Star will commit to continually highlighting helplines and organisations which can offer support. We also aim to tell stories of victims who have broken free from violent and controlling relationships.

  • To seek support call the confidential National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000247.