WATCH: Brave teenager ‘changes public perception of domestic violence’ by releasing brutal beating video

And Wearside Women in Need director Clare Phillipson also thanked the Echo for highlighting the case of 18-year-old Rayna Holden, left for dead in the car park of a Washington pub by 22-year-old Darryl Moore.

The horrifying video of the attack at the rear of The Cross Keys in Washington Village – for which Moore was sentenced to just 12 months in jail – sparked outrage on-line.

“Rayna has done so much to demolish the idea domestic violence is just a push or a slap,” said Clare Phillipson.

“She has really, really helped the public to understand the sheer brutality and overwhelming determination to hurt that is involved in domestic violence.

Coverage had changed the way people thought about domestic violence, said Clare: “The response on the Echo’s Facebook page was brilliant. The overwhelming majority were disgusted.

“Frankly, well done the Echo – it has done a huge amount to change people’s understanding of what we mean when we talk about domestic violence.

“Thank you for getting this out there. Clearly, it is challenging people’s perceptions of what domestic violence entails.”

The shocking CCTV of Darryl Moore, 22, attacking and beating his 18 year old girlfriend Rayna Holden - who he left for dead. See SWNS story SWCCTV; A pretty teen was beaten to a pulp by her thug boyfriend who launched a drunken attack on her in a pub car park - and left her for DEAD. Evil Darryl Moore, 22, flew into a drunken rage and beat his 18-year-old girlfriend Rayna Holden by punching and kicking her and stamping on her when she was UNCONSCIOUS. Petite Rayna, who stands just 5ft 5ins and is a svelte size six, was left with bruising, two broken ribs and a dislocated knee after the savage beating - which was captured in full on CCTV. She said: Daryl was my first love, and I was so besotted with him I trusted him completely.

The story had been picked up by national titles including the Daily Mirror and Daily Mail, whose readers had been equally appalled by Moore’s punishment.

“We think the sentence is outrageous – and so do the public,” said Clare.

“The biggest frustration for organisations like ourselves is the leniency the courts show to men that are violent towards women.

“It sends out the wrong message to victims and to violent criminals and frustrates the public.”