POLICE have urged those living with domestic abuse to come forward and seek help after a man was jailed for murdering his girlfriend.
Dawid Lukasz Mietus was told yesterday he will serve a minimum of 20 years for the murder of his partner Patrycja Wyrebek (20) in August 2020.
The 25-year-old beat and strangled Ms Wyrebek - who was originally from Poland - at the home they shared in Newry.
The victim had previously reported Mietis to police over violent behaviour.
He was jailed as Jordan Kennedy (23) was also sentenced to a minimum of 14 years in prison for the murder of his mother, Emma Jane McParland, in April 2020.
Ms McParland (39) was stabbed to death by Kennedy in her south Belfast home.
There have been concerns about domestic abuse crimes with recent PSNI figures showing a spike of more than 14 per cent in the year up to March 31, compared to the previous 12 months.
Justice Minister Naomi Long this year introduced new powers under the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 that make coercive control an offence.
Ms Long said the new powers were a "real step change, for all those that are affected and who may be suffering in silence".
Ahead of yesterday's sentencing hearings, details emerged of the impact on the two families.
Police said the loss of Patrycja had been a "particularly painful and distressing ordeal" for her loved ones, "who remain absolutely heartbroken". Her stepmother described her as a "happy and beautiful person" who had "so many plans for the future".
Detective Inspector Mark Gibson appealed to anyone who may feel trapped in an abusive relationship to come forward.
"Domestic abuse is not just physical. It can take many forms, including controlling behaviours and emotional and financial abuse," he added.
Bronach McAuley, the PPS senior public prosecutor responsible for the case, said Ms Wyrebek's family had endured "unimaginable pain since she was brutally murdered".
"Patrycja's family and friends now face a lifetime without her. While nothing can bring her back, we hope that the conclusion of this case brings them some measure of comfort as they try to rebuild their lives," she added.
Police also described the impact of Ms McParland's death at the hands of her own son as "immeasurable".
Urging others suffering abuse to speak out, Chief Inspector Darren McCartney said: "We know that victims can feel vulnerable, isolated and frightened, trapped by their abusers' manipulations. We also sadly know, as seen in this and other recent cases, that domestic abuse can quickly escalate to fatalities.
"I am keen to encourage any victims of abuse to come forward. We will help you. We’ll listen to you and we will treat you with total respect and sensitivity. You don’t have to suffer in silence."
