Dear Editor
I was saddened to read of the tragic, violent death of Kim Butler by an alcoholic abuser who now is serving a minimum of 17 years in prison for her murder (Western Telegraph, March 18th).

Domestic violence is as insidious as a secret closet, but now is surely the time for the government to look further into the murky waters and respond with more effective measures to counteract offenders and give potential victims early positive protection.

The whole issue of domestic abuse is still being treated as quite not as serious as it really should be.

From personal experience, the police need to be granted far more power to deal with abusive partners — be they male or female — and police authorities should receive extra funding because when a partner speaks out in fear we all have a moral duty to make certain they have sanctuary.

Do not fail these poor people.

Luckily I am now away from abuse — the police were helpful and for that I am eternally grateful — but the government should award more funding to its police forces in this spectrum of crime especially.

My heart and thoughts go out to Kim’s family.

Yvonne Nicholl
Woodbine Terrace,
Pembroke.