The sister of a nurse who took her own life after being abused by her 'calculating' partner want to encourage other women to speak out.
Alexandra Reid, 30, died on February 24, days after she made a statement to police about the physical, mental and financial abuse her partner subjected her to.
Alex, who lived in Anfield, said she feared no one would believe she was being abused, after her partner, Peter Yeung, repeatedly told her police would think she was lying.
Yeung, 35, of Park Road, Toxteth, was jailed on Monday for assaulting Alex and the judge called his actions "calculating and thoroughly dishonest".
Yeung pleaded not guilty to a catalogue of assaults, claiming Alex "must have given herself the injuries", and subjected her family to the ordeal of a trial.
Alex's sister, Katy Reid, said she hopes no other family go through what she and her mum have had to endure.
The family shared these images of Alex in happier times, in a bid to spread a message to others who may be suffering domestic violence and struggling to seek help.
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She said: "We want to reiterate that you should come forward if you are struggling.
"We don't want people to be scared, that was Alex's main thing. She was frightened no one would believe her.
"At the end of the day, she has been believed. We want to encourage people who are suffering as well to just tell someone."
At Yeung's sentencing, Katy said Alex's memory will live on and the family will now be able to celebrate her life.
Katy said: "We haven't really been able to grieve because we've had all this [court cases] hanging over us for so long."
She added: "She was a kind, loving and generous person. She'd give her last penny to someone, she was just such a good-hearted person.
"I've had some of her former patients get in touch with me to say how shocked they are, because she was just such a lovely person.
"Loads of people, even who she went to school with, said how lovely and funny she used to be."
Katy's plea to other people who may be suffering in silence comes as Merseyside Police say there has been an increase of domestic abuse during lockdown.
The force said there had been an increase in reports of domestic abuse of 10.4 per cent - equivalent to 18,782 victims - between April 1 and November 30 2020, compared to the same period the year before.
Assistant Chief Consable Ian Critchley said: "This year particularly has been challenging for everyone, but for victims of domestic abuse who are suffering from continued cruelty and violence it must be intolerable.
"For abusers it is easier for them to coerce or physically abuse their victims, who are probably feeling more isolated and alone than they would under normal circumstances.
"And I can't stress enough that if home is not a safe place for you then we want you to know that you are not alone and you do not have to stay at home if it is not safe to be there."
A raft of measures are now in place to help victims of domestic abuse get the help they need.
If you are in immediate danger, always call 999. If you ring 999 and are not in a safe position to speak to police then cough, or tap, the phone and press 55, when prompted. This will alert the operator that you need assistance and we will provide support.
There is also a new scheme called "Ask for Ani" which gives victims an opportunity to reach out for help at pharmacies, including Boots, without making their situation obvious to other members of the public, or alerting their abuser.
Victims who ask for Ani at pharmacy counters will be taken by a staff member to a private space where they can be put in touch with the police, support services and helplines.
ACC Critchley added: "I want to appeal to family, friends and neighbours who strongly suspect that someone is being subjected to domestic abuse to tell us, or to urge their loved ones to make the right decision for their own safety and peace of mind.
"Domestic abuse is a complex issue and can take many forms including psychological, financial, sexual, emotional and physical. Alcohol and drugs are never the root cause of domestic abuse, nor can they ever be used to justify it.
"Every domestic incident is unique and the background to each one can be very complex, it is not just people who are married/in a relationship, domestic abuse can be a child on a parent and vice versa and we don't deal solely with female victims. As a result we use the right specialist resources whenever we can so that the victims of this abhorrent and under-reported crime are protected and their needs are put first.
"Protecting our most vulnerable communities is one of the force's priorities and we realise that being able to support and advise victims of domestic abuse has never been more important that it is now."
Anyone seeking help can call Samaritans free on 116 123 or visit Samaritans.org
