A Metropolitan Police officer has released an image that campaigners have described as the “horrific reality” of domestic abuse in the UK.

Images VIA

The photo presents the scene of a domestic assault, showing a staircase with sharp knives on either side of each step, as well as what appears to be a bullet and several mysterious cards.

The perpetrator has since been arrested and charged. The photo was posted on Twitter by Inspector Rowlands, after being taken by his collegue. He wrote:

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.

He later described the image as one, “that raises the awareness of domestic violence and how much more is needed to be done”.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Women’s Aid said:

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. Seventy-six per cent of women killed by their ex-partner or ex-spouse between 2009 and 2015 were killed within the first year that followed their separation.

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.

She makes a very strong point and probably one that we overlook. It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that the woman has the choice to leave an abusive relationship. In reality, many domestic abuse victims are unable to break free over fear for their lives. This picture is a truly sinister reminder that more needs to be done.

We could start with a change of attitude. Basically, the world needs to adopt the exact opposite to what this video suggests.