FROM THE EDITOR: Why the lessons are not hard to learn but the costs are huge

Our city had witnessed too many devastating acts of violence and murder which were entirely preventable, if not always completely predictable at the time they happened.

That is the huge impact of adverse childhood experiences, or aces as it is known to the many experts who wish these incidents were dealt with differently.

We don’t deal with it very well in this country but there is a growing belief that we should.

I don't think many people will have much sympathy for Sarah Barrass, even after reading the painful details of the serious case review.

The only reason any of us know her name is because of her terrible crimes.

This was a mother who was trying so very hard to raise good children but was absolutely terrified that she was getting it all wrong.

She asked for help ... and she didn't get it.

From the outside she appeared to a loving mum who was doing a good job.

Sheffield mum who killed sons was viewed as 'loving, caring and competent' by safeguarding professionals

Strange though it sounds now we know the terrible things that occurred on that fateful night, that is what she was - but her own childhood had taken away most of the tools other parents rely on.

Could these murders have been prevented? Well, if we had a system that invested in caring for people when they could do with extra support, rather than waiting until they become an enormous problem, we would not only save lives but save millions of pounds each year .

It would mean a radical overhaul, it would mean investing in areas where public opinion might not always agreed and it would need every agency on board. But it is possible.

Exploitation comes in many forms but there are ways to deal with it and the chain can be broken.

It is only when we don't try hard enough to stop the cycle that we all become aware of these people.

By that stage they have already made the move from victim to monster.

That is when the whole city suffers, the emotional impact is incalculable and the financial bills hits millions.

We have been here before and we will be here again …