Domestic abuse campaign launched on Tinder by Police Scotland

Men are being urged to ask 'Is that me?'

Author: Lewis MichiePublished 13th Dec 2022

'Is that me?' that's the question men are being urged to ask themselves as part of a new domestic abuse campaign.

The Police Scotland initiative will be shared across a variety of social media channels, including, for the first time, dating app Tinder.

It'll target young men aged 18-25 years old, and highlights behaviours in a new relationship which are abusive and might be indicative of future, escalating abuse.

Men will be signposted to a website for help if they can see themselves in the ad.

Launching the new campaign Assistant Chief Constable, Bex Smith, Police Scotland said: “Stopping your new partner seeing friends, checking their phone, demeaning them, is neither caring nor romantic. These are controlling, abusive behaviours.

“In the campaign, we are asking men to reflect on how they behave. If they see themselves and their behaviour in this campaign, then they need to take a hard look at themselves and get help.

“Domestic abuse comes in many forms, and it’s not always obvious at the start of a relationship but there can be early signs of attempts to control and coerce. And we know from victims that it is these psychological, controlling and coercive behaviours that often have the most lasting impact.

“With this new campaign, launched just ahead of the festive period when we see an increase in reports of domestic abuse, we want men to take action and get help. Don’t be an abuser: don’t turn a promising relationship into an abusive one.”

ACC Smith added: “Abuse starts somewhere. Abusers may start out charming and likeable but they can quickly change.

“There is always an opportunity to reflect, to intervene, and to stop.

“The vast majority of domestic abusers are men, most victims are women. We are committed to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls. It’s up to men to take action to tackle violence and abuse.”

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