A Scottish police force has been praised for tweeting an emotional open letter to women feeling trapped in an abusive relationship.
An officer from Lochaber & Skye police sent out the series of tweets, urging a woman to leave her violent partner.
Although they read as though directly addressed to one woman, the tweets are in fact “a reach-out to anyone who may be at risk.”
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A letter to a young woman in #Skye.
— Lochaber&SkyePolice (@LochabSkyePol) November 18, 2017
We know you follow this account and want you to see this.
We’ve told you previously that we think you are at risk of domestic abuse from your
partner.
We want to help you and are doing lots with other agencies to try to keep you safe.
— Lochaber&SkyePolice (@LochabSkyePol) November 18, 2017
You might not see us, you might not even like us being involved but we are always thinking about how we can help you.
Your family and friends have told you they think you are in danger – they support you and want you to be safe.
— Lochaber&SkyePolice (@LochabSkyePol) November 18, 2017
We think he’s probably told you, “It won’t happen again”, “I’m sorry”, “I’ll change”, he’s maybe even told you that it’s your fault - IT’S NOT.
— Lochaber&SkyePolice (@LochabSkyePol) November 18, 2017
The violence, threats, degrading comments and controlling behaviour are not the life you need to lead, it can be better.
You are not trapped and you are not alone, we can help you get out, your family and friends can help you get out and @scotwomensaid can help you get out.
— Lochaber&SkyePolice (@LochabSkyePol) November 18, 2017
Call us, come to the Police station, phone someone, speak to local Womens Aid worker 01478613365 or 0800 027 1234.
There is #NoExcuse for #DomesticAbuse. Help is out there.
— Lochaber&SkyePolice (@LochabSkyePol) November 18, 2017
The force has been applauded for finding an effective, direct way to communicate with women who are suffering from domestic abuse without putting them at greater risk.
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Katie Laing, a member of the Hebrides Women’s Network, called it a “genius move”, adding: “I personally know of one domestic abuse victim who saw this today.”
Another Twitter user said: “This will save lives.”
But it has also prompted an outpouring of survivors sharing their stories of escape and recovery.
Wow this is lovely,wish someone could have told me this.I left suddenly 20 years ago and went into a refuge. It was hard but the best thing I have ever done for myself and child
— sam (@ticklesam) November 18, 2017
I did the same thing, almost 7 years ago now. One day it was like the lights came on in my head and I was able to run for it, call the police and go to a refuge. Sometimes no one can tell you until you’re ready.
— Lani G (@Loini_G) November 20, 2017
Thanks 4 posting this letter! I'm a survivor too, & left my parents' home at 16. I know it's hard to get away, but it CAN be done, if people have support, or just find a way to RUN. No one deserves to be abused, & it's NOT the victim's fault. I learned it, I hope others can too.
— Terrakian Dragon (@ProgressiVAlien) November 21, 2017
She may even think she feels sorry for him if she leaves.
— Alison S Mulholland (@sonnim8) November 18, 2017
I was abused for years before I found the strength to leave after several attempts and it was pity for him that held me back for so long.
To the woman - you deserve better. Get out and don't look back. X
The police force has earned itself a large following online thanks to its witty approach to solving crimes in the highlands and islands of western Scotland.
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The Twitter account first found fame in January 2016, when a tweet about some lost cocaine was re-tweeted thousands of times.
“If you get back to your house tonight on #Skye and realise your cocaine is missing — we have it in the police station,” it said, using the hashtag #WeNeedAWord.
Global Citizen campaigns to achieve gender equality around the world, so that women everywhere can feel safe and can live free from violence. You can join us by taking action here.