Story By: Lee Bullen,Sub Editor: Joseph Golder,Agency: Central European News
A fake natural cosmetics Facebook page has been set up in Poland for victims of domestic violence to secretly report their abusers without their partners finding out during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Victims of physical or psychological abuse are encouraged to visit the ‘Rumianki i bratki – naturalne kosmetyki SKLEP’ Facebook page and send a message regarding the body cosmetics which they appear to offer.
However, the site’s administrators will then check on the sender’s wellbeing and contact the local authorities if needed, according to local media.
The page has been set up following a reported rise in domestic violence incidents in Poland caused by families being cooped up together during the COVID-19 lockdown.
As victims could be trapped inside their own homes with their abuser, they may have trouble informing the police of the situation and it is hoped that the fake cosmetic Facebook page will help.
The page’s founder, student Krystyna Paszko, said: “If you are in quarantine or isolation with a toxic or violent partner, write to the fictitious shop ‘Rumianki i bratki – naturalne kosmetyki SKLEP’ or send an email to rumiankiibratki@gmail.com with a question about natural cosmetics for the body, and I will start checking on you.
“If you place an order and give your address, we will call the police.”
According to Paszko, cases of domestic violence have risen by 40 percent since the COVID-19 crisis.
She also replies to visitors’ often cryptic messages that could allude to violence, such as one netizen who commented: “Ideal for concealing shadows and redness. I recommend it.”
Since being launched on 12th April, the page has attracted 10,000 followers and over 40 victims of domestic violence have reportedly used it for help.
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