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Shocking Picture Of Domestic Abuse Tweeted By Police

Shocking Picture Of Domestic Abuse Tweeted By Police

Harrowing.

Josh Teal

Josh Teal

The awful reality of domestic abuse has been showcased in this harrowing image.

Posted on Twitter by Inspector Jack Rowlands of the Met Police, it shows a staircase lined with 21 knives on each side, dug into the wood.

A bullet, as-yet unconfirmed to be real or fake, lies on one of the steps, as do scattered orange and pink cards inside the Isleworth property.

Inspector Rowlands revealed: "A few weeks back a colleague of mine went to a domestic assault and found this when he entered. Male arrested and charged. Life saved.

"Lots of comments and shock about this picture. An image that raises the awareness of domestic violence and how much more is needed to be done."

A spokesman for the Met Police confirmed a 42-year-old man was arrested and charged with common assault and will appear before a magistrates court on Tuesday.

Image: Jack Rowlands/Twitter

Domestic abuse charity Women's Aid says on average two women are killed by their partner or ex-partner every week in England and Wales, while the police receive an emergency call in relation to domestic abuse around every 30 seconds.

Chief Executive of Women's Aid, Polly Neate, told Huffington Post UK: "What this chilling picture shows is the real threat to life that domestic abuse is. The knives represent that threat. They say, very clearly, 'If you try to leave, I will hurt you.'

"This is why many women are unable to leave - for fear for their life or their children's lives. The Femicide Census proved that women are at significant risk at the point of separation from an abusive partner.

"76% of women killed by their ex-partner or ex-spouse between 2009 and 2015 were killed within the first year that followed their separation.

Image: PA

"This picture is a snapshot of the horrific reality of domestic abuse. We hope it raises awareness of the barriers facing survivors who want to flee. If people ask 'Why doesn't she just leave?' - show them this picture."

"That is completely terrifying," tweeted one user. "Poor, poor woman."

"OMG, it's like something from a horror movie," said another.

"Absolutely disgusting and a shocking reminder of how perpetrators behave," said another person. "There is help out there. Seek help please."

"Domestic violence does not discriminate," says the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which helps victims of abuse, on its website. "Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim - or perpetrator - of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels."

If you're experiencing similar problems, there is help.

Featured Image Credit: Jack Rowlands/Twitter

Topics: domestic abuse