The shocking and brutal murder of Kerri McAuley was described by a Norwich judge as 'one of the worst cases of domestic violence that has come before these courts'.
But while the extreme levels of violence seen in this case might be relatively rare the problem of domestic violence in the county certainly is not.
Figures provided by Norfolk police show the number of people arrested following reports of 'domestic' incidents have risen by 86pc in three years from 2,983 in 2014/15 to 5,561 in 2016/17.
The spike also increases the risk of there being another tragedy like the one that has devastated the lives of Ms McAuley's family.
They have challenged legislators to change the law before it happens again after it emerged her murderer, Joe Storey, was responsible for a string of violent attacks on previous partners.
Storey was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 24 years, after being convicted of the murder of Ms McAuley.
The killer, who was the subject of restraining orders against four women, including Ms McAuley, had spent years attacking women before he savagely beat the 32-year-old mother of two at her Norwich home in January.
As a result Ms McAuley's heartbroken family have called for changes to be made to the law so that those who abuse partners get longer sentences the first time it happens.
Steven Roberts, Ms McAuley's uncle, said: 'There should never be a first time but if there is it most definitely must be the last time.'
He added: 'It should not be about cowering, running or hiding from your abuser, it should be about the abuser being accountable for their actions and brought to justice early.
'But most importantly held long enough to support rehabilitation whilst affording the victim sufficient time to secure the right support and move on with their life without fear of further violence, reprisal harassment and stalking.'
A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said: 'This is a terrible case and our thoughts are with the friends and family of Kerri McAuley.
'Domestic abuse is a devastating crime that shatters lives and destroys families. It is right that our courts recognise this and that punishments properly fit these abhorrent crimes.
'This government is committed to delivering a system that protects victims and increases convictions.'
Ms McAuley's death might lead some to question whether more could have been done, particularly given the previous violence.
But domestic abuse charity Leeway, which has backed calls for changes to legislation, praised family and friends and insisted the only person to blame was the attacker.
Mandy Proctor, chief executive, said: 'Kerri's family and friends have been magnificent speaking out to reach others affected by domestic abuse especially during what is a very difficult time for them all.
'Her friends took part in Leeway's skydive fundraiser in memory of Kerri and her friends and family have held other events to help raise funds for us. I felt that was a very touching tribute for them to do this and my thoughts are with them all.
'Naturally, they will be thinking, 'what if we'd done this,' 'would things have been any different' or something along those lines, but in many cases of domestic abuse a perpetrator will go to extreme lengths to isolate that person from their friends and family members.
'The effort of Kerri's family and friends to help other people that may be experiencing domestic abuse is fantastic, and I can't thank them enough. Encouraging others to seek help early is so important and it may help others to reach out for support before their situation escalates further.'
It is understood the rise in arrests related to domestic incidents is partly due to increased awareness about abuse suffered and in victims having increased confidence.
A police spokesman said: 'A lot of work has been carried out by the police and partner agencies to increase awareness of this crime, which in turn could result in victims feeling more confident to report these matters to police, knowing they will be listened and supported.
'We do not underestimate how difficult it can be for people to speak out about being a victim of such violence or witnessing it direct, but it is crucial they are aware of what constitutes abuse and the help which is available to them.'
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