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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Neil Shaw

Clever picture secretly protects domestic violece victims without alerting abusers

Victims of domestic abuse have been given a secret tool to store the numbers they need to access help, without alerting their abusers.

Police have shared an image that secretly holds phone numbers where help is available for those suffering domestic violence.

Numbers, including those for the National Centre for Domestic Violence and the Men's Advice Line, can be seen in tiny writing on an image of a faded bench with a puppy perched on top.

But the numbers only become clear when you zoom in - otherwise they appear to be just a part of the paint on the bench.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "At first glance it's a cute puppy photo that you found on Facebook or were sent by a friend.

CLICK HERE FOR A LARGER VERSION OF THE IMAGE

"But take a closer look at the front panel of the bench and you'll find numbers that you can call if you're stuck in an abusive relationship.

"You know that we're on 999 or 101 but if you're not ready to speak to us yet, keep this photo for when you need to speak to someone."

Citizens Advice has a page of contact numbers and addresses.

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