true crime

The photo that exposes the harrowing reality of living with domestic violence.

WARNING: This post contains imagery of a domestic abuse situation that may be distressing to some readers.

A police officer in the UK has shared a disturbing crime scene photograph in an effort to raise awareness of domestic violence.

The image offers a glimpse into the waking nightmare of one nameless victim. A woman who lived surrounded by threats.

In a tweet that has been shared hundreds of times, Inspector Jack Rowlands of the Metropolitan Police in London, wrote, “A few weeks back a colleague of mine went to a domestic assault and found this when he entered.”

The accompanying image features a staircase – each step flanked on either side with knives, balancing upright on their sharp tips.

The scene is littered with colourful cards featuring indecipherable writing, one of which lies beside what appears to be a single bullet.

Noting the dozens of shocked comments that were posted to the image, Insp Rowlands later reiterated “how much more is needed to be done” in raising awareness of domestic violence.

In the UK, 27 per cent of women have experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16. In Australia, it’s believed to be one on in six, or roughly 17 per cent.

Beyond the news: hear the devastating consequences of one father’s abusive behaviour. Post continues…

According to Insp Rowlands, in the case of the terrifying situation captured in this image, one man is in custody and one life has been saved.

A Met Police spokesperson confirmed to The Huffington Post UK that a 42-year-old Isleworth man was arrested and charged with common assault, and is due to appear in court on Tuesday.

For 24-hour assistance please call the National National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 RESPECT (that’s 1800 737 732).