THE brother of murdered lawyer David Edwards has said that his death has highlighted the need for male victims of domestic abuse to “speak out”.

Peter Edwards said that men fear coming forward because it is viewed as a “sign of weakness”.

MORE TOP STORIES:

“This case has highlighted the tragic impact that domestic violence can have, and shows how difficult it can be for those victims to speak up and escape their situation,” he said.

“This is especially the case with male victims, who are afraid that if they speak up, telling what is happening to them, it is a sign of weakness.”

Mr Edwards’ brother David, 51, was stabbed to death by his new bride Sharon, 42, at their home in Chorley in August 2015 – just two months after the pair married in Las Vegas.

Described by the judge Mr Justice William Davis as a woman with a “bullying and violent nature”, Sharon Edwards was jailed for a minimum of 20 years on Tuesday for killing her husband at the couple’s marital home.

Mark Brooks, chairman of domestic violence charity ManKind Initiative, said: “This appalling tragedy proves once and for all that men, as well as women, are victims of domestic abuse.

“It is vital that men in these abusive relationships seek help from the police, call helplines and speak to those they trust. A decade or so ago, men might have may struggled to have been believed. That is not the case now – there is real help out there.”

Figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales suggest 600,000 men were victims of domestic abuse in the year to March 2015.

The Crown Prosecution Service says that there is a "significant" under-reporting of domestic abuse against male victims.

The senior investigating officer said the case showed how domestic abuse was “not exclusive” to age, sex, status or profession.

Det Ch Insp Dean Holden said: “This investigation highlights how domestic abuse is not exclusive to age, sex, status or profession.

“David Edwards had been a successful solicitor and a loving father to his young daughter but his life was tragically cut short after a culmination of months of abuse and violent outbursts by Sharon Edwards.

“The especially sad thing about this case is that Mr Edwards was embarrassed by the fact he was being abused by his partner, a woman, and seemed to just accept his situation, ignoring advice from friends to seek help. Had he done so, I imagine we wouldn’t be at court.

“Sharon Edwards not only abused David verbally and physically, she has also denied her guilt and therefore put his family through the ordeal of having to sit through a trial, listening to the horrendous home life he had to endure, which tragically resulted in his demise and subsequent death.

“It’s too late for David Edwards to get help but if you or anyone you know is suffering domestic abuse at the hands of your partner, help is out there.”

For more information, contact ManKind Initiative’s confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence on 01823 334244.