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Police Force Praised For Tweeting Powerful Open Letter To Women In Abusive Relationships
A police force in Scotland has been praised for using Twitter to help women in abusive relationships by writing an open letter telling them: “Help is out there.”
Officers on the Lochaber and Skye Police force, which covers the highlands ans islands of western Scotland, addressed a woman in the message of support.
But they later added the message on social media was to help “anyone who may be at risk”.
The series of tweets opens by saying:
“A letter to a young woman in Skye. 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.”
A letter to a young woman in #Skye. 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.
November 18, 2017
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.
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. The violence, threats, degrading comments and controlling behaviour are not the life you need to lead, it can be better.
November 18, 2017
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. Call us, come to the Police station, phone someone, speak to local Womens Aid worker 01478613365 or 0800 027 1234.
November 18, 2017
It continued:
“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. “Your family and friends have told you they think you are in danger – they support you and want you to be safe. “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. “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 Womens Aid can help you get out. “Call us, come to the Police station, phone someone, speak to local Womens Aid worker 01478613365 or 0800 027 1234. “There is no excuse for domestic abuse. Help is out there.”
Marsha Scott, chief executive of Scottish Women’s Aid, said she thought the tweets were a “great, creative use of social media”.
Scottish Women’s Aid runs a 24/7 national helpline for women who have experienced domestic abuse, as well as a network of local support across the country.
“Lochaber and Skye Police are trying to reach out in a different way which is fascinating and exciting,” she told BBC Scotland.
@lochaberwa and @Rosswomensaid are the local stars of Women’s Aid and will be well-placed to work with @LochabSkyePol to publicise all the support available. Great to see police and services working together and sharing Scotland’s Helpline: 08000271234 t.co/m57o2TtYIS
November 19, 2017
On behalf of the #HebridesWomensNetwork… thank u so much!!!! I personally know of one #domesticabuse victim who saw this today. This was a genius move on social media x
November 19, 2017
I felt quite emotional reading this. Been there, done that, got out. Took a while, but once I did, I slowly put my life back together. You have the strength to do this, you just need to put one foot in front of each other until you’re out x
November 18, 2017
If you’re the woman and you read this, please please get out of your relationship. They never change they’re not capable. I had 2 violent relationships over 15 years. I’m free now and I can’t say enough how much better life is without abuse. Be strong there’s plenty help for you.
November 18, 2017
Sincere thanks for the positive response to our #domesticabuse appeal today. It was a reach-out to anyone who may be at risk – whether you live in #Skye or #Stirling, #Lochaber or #Largs. Anyone can be affected, but by reaching out we can start making a difference together
November 18, 2017
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/lochaber-skye-police-domestic-abuse_uk_5a11adcae4b0dd63b1ab058b
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