Victims of domestic abuse are being urged to come forward and seek help.
In the aftermath of the brutal killing of Jennifer Edwards, several support agencies and Police Scotland invited The Courier to hear about the work they do in supporting those who live in fear.
A total of 84 “domestic incidents” had been logged by police before Ms Edwards lost her life.
She had confided to a friend that she feared that partner William Marshall would one day take her life, a premonition that tragically came true.
Urging women in a similar position to save themselves, Sheila Noble of the Fife Violence Against Women Partnership, said that taking the first step was often the hardest for victims.
“From initial phone calls, people that self refer can feel ashamed or embarrassed,” she said.
“We can get people phoning up just for advice, so they’re not engaging right away, but just talking it out and acknowledging that it is domestic abuse.
While often associated with violence, domestic abuse can taken many forms, with psychological and financial torment commonly used to control victims.
Lynda Carey, from Fife Women’s Aid, said that unhealthy dynamics often focused on power.
“Misuse of power and control is fundamental to domestic abuse and that makes coping with it very much more difficult for a victim,” she said.
“There will be all sorts of power games and control games going on that make it difficult for the victim to access help and support.
“That might isolate them from family and friends and limit their choices.”
While support is critical in helping victims of domestic abuse, police involvement is ultimately required if justice is to be sought against those perpetrating such crimes.
Detective Inspector Jim Leeson said that ensuring the safety of those affected was a critical part of officers work.
“Response officers will always try to visit where there has been a crime,” he said.
“We need to make sure people are safe and well.
“Thereafter we triage them on a daily basis, look at the risk and other factors involved, such as child protection issues.”
Mr Leeson also moved to dispel any concerns that victims may have if they choose to approach the police.
Insisting that all cases will be closely examined, he added: “I think a lot of people are concerned that they won’t be believed.
“We will treat their concerns seriously and we will robustly investigate them and try and help and support people throughout that process and link in with our partner agencies.”
