Police in Scotland have been praised online for their open letter to a woman they believe to be suffering from domestic abuse.
The letter, which was shared in a thread on Twitter, was addressed to an unnamed woman in Skye who police think is “at risk of domestic violence” from her partner.
Police wrote that they knew the woman followed their account and that they wanted to help and to “keep (her) safe.”
The thread, posted on Lochaber and Skye police’s Twitter account, begins:
We want to help you and are doing lots with other agencies to try to keep you safe.
You might not see us, you might not even like us being involved but we are always thinking about how we can help you.
— Police Scotland South Highlands (@PSOSSouthHigh) November 18, 2017
Police then detailed what the woman’s partner – and domestic abusers in general – are likely to have said to the victim to get them to stay, and to not seek help.
It included “It won’t happen again” and “I’ll change,” as well as convincing the victim to believe that what it happening is their own fault.
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.
The violence, threats, degrading comments and controlling behaviour are not the life you need to lead, it can be better.
— Police Scotland South Highlands (@PSOSSouthHigh) November 18, 2017
The thread then provided links and contact details to those living in the area who may be suffering domestic violence.
“There is no excuse for domestic abuse,” they wrote.
There is #NoExcuse for #DomesticAbuse. Help is out there.
— Police Scotland South Highlands (@PSOSSouthHigh) November 18, 2017
Lochaber and Skye police’s thread has been widely praised online with the first tweet receiving almost 3,500 retweets.
And while this thread is directed to one woman in particular, Twitter users were quick to point out that the open letter could be applicable to so many different women living in similar circumstances.
In Ireland, 1 in 5 women will have experienced domestic violence in a current or past relationship.
Internationally, 25 percent of all violent crimes reported involved a man assaulting his wife or partner.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse you can contact Women’s Aid.
