Police in Scotland have earned praise from around the world for their compassionate message to a suspected victim of domestic abuse.
As the BBC reported, the Lochaber and Skye police force sent an open letter to the unnamed woman via a series of tweets Saturday.
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.— Lochaber&SkyePolice (@LochabSkyePol) 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.
— Lochaber&SkyePolice (@LochabSkyePol) November 18, 2017
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.
The violence, threats, degrading comments and controlling behaviour are not the life you need to lead, it can be better.
— Lochaber&SkyePolice (@LochabSkyePol) 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.
— Lochaber&SkyePolice (@LochabSkyePol) November 18, 2017
Each tweet received support from the public for the agency’s show of support toward the suspected abuse victim.
After the tweets quickly received attention far beyond the island of Skye, a follow-up message expressed gratitude for the kind words and acknowledged the true intent was to reach any local victims of domestic abuse.
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
— Lochaber&SkyePolice (@LochabSkyePol) November 18, 2017
The unique approach to an often delicate topic received kudos from professionals who work with such victims on a daily basis, the Scotsman reported.
“Lochaber and Skye Police are trying to reach out in a different way,” said Scottish Women’s Aid Chief Executive Marsha Scott.
She called the tweets a “great, creative use of social media,” describing it a “fascinating and exciting” campaign.
In response to the final tweet, one user thanked the agency on behalf of another group offering assistance to victims of domestic abuse.
“I personally know of one #domesticabuse victim who saw this today,” the Twitter user wrote. “This was a genius move on social media.”
An apparent victim of domestic abuse followed up with her appreciation for the message.
“If this helps one woman escape a life of abuse, then it’s worth a thousand re-tweets,” she wrote.
[Featured image: Lochaber and Skye Police/Twitter]
