The family of Clodagh Hawe has displayed immense courage and fortitude this week in bringing to public attention a range of important matters which can only help to increase awareness of domestic abuse and controlling behaviour.
The murder of Mrs Hawe and her three young sons by her husband and the children's father Alan Hawe - who later took his own life - was an exceptionally shocking and brutal crime.
Initially, the focus in some sections of the media was very much on the killer, a school deputy principal in Co Cavan involved in the church and GAA.
However, this sparked considerable public outrage and led to widespread debate and the trending of 'Her name is Clodagh' on social media.
This was a significant moment, switching attention from the perpetrator to those whose lives he had destroyed.
It also became apparent that far from being the 'pillar of the local community', respected professional and family man, Alan Hawe had a dark side, was addicted to porn and was facing a serious issue at school.
It is clear from Clodagh's sister Jacqueline Connolly and mother Mary Coll that Hawe was a controlling individual whom they never really got to know.
Following the inquest, they are left with many questions about why Hawe killed his family that awful night in August 2016.
They also want to see legislative change and an independent review into Clodagh's death.
They have constructed a compelling and carefully thought out case which they are now taking to senior levels of the Irish government and An Garda Siochana.
This grieving family deserves answers but by highlighting a range of issues they will also be helping others in profoundly difficult circumstances.
This distressing crime also underlines the urgent need for improved domestic abuse legislation in Northern Ireland.
Victims of emotional abuse and controlling behaviour should not have to lose out because of the political vacuum at Stormont.
