A fundraising drive in memory of a domestic abuse victim who was brutally murdered by her partner has been given a heartfelt donation by a city MP.

Eastern Daily Press: Friends and family of Kerri McAuley help launch the 'Kerri's Campaign' to raise £10K for Leeway.Kerri's mum Lesley with the campaign top.Picture: Nick ButcherFriends and family of Kerri McAuley help launch the 'Kerri's Campaign' to raise £10K for Leeway.Kerri's mum Lesley with the campaign top.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, gave the money to Kerri's Campaign after meeting with the family of Kerri McAuley.

Ms McAuley was murdered by her on-off partner Joe Storey in January.

The campaign aims to raise £10,000 for domestic abuse charity Leeway.

Mrs Smith said her and the family shared the common goal of ensuring something positive comes from Kerri's tragic death.

Eastern Daily Press: Friends and family of Kerri McAuley help launch the 'Kerri's Campaign' to raise £10K for Leeway.Picture: Nick ButcherFriends and family of Kerri McAuley help launch the 'Kerri's Campaign' to raise £10K for Leeway.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

She said: 'Meeting Kerri's family was really moving. It reminded me what a privilege it is to do constituency work as an MP and to be in a position to make a difference.

'It was inspiring to see the strength of the family and we are united in the goal of ensuring Kerri's death wasn't in vain, and I will endeavour to make sure the laws of the land are improved.'

Mrs Smith recently met with the Home Office minister for domestic abuse, Victoria Atkins, as she prepares a new Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill.

The bill will address the challenges of observing patterns associated with serial perpetrators and will look to strengthen sentencing and probation powers, as well as improving the support available to victims and their families. Mrs Atkins is due to visit Norwich to learn from domestic abuse services and victims in the city.

Mrs Smith said there is work to be done in tackling domestic violence.

She said: 'In some cases these crimes are avoidable, often because of fear, but also because of the system letting victims down, for example if someone isn't given the correct sort of sentence that would stop them reoffending. We need to close some of the gaps that still exist and I think different police forces working together could help. For example, if an abuser moves from one place to another, you want to see collaboration between forces.

'This is a vital campaign. Charities like Leeway, and all of the services that contribute to battling domestic abuse, are so important.

'If we reach the target, this particular campaign will help so many people rebuild their lives.'

People can donate at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kerris-campaign