…Researched and contributed by Jack Sylva.
Former Love Island contestant, Malin Andersson, who has been campaigning for a change in domestic abuse laws, has spoken out about the importance of this change.
Malin hopes that the new law will provide future victims of abuse with more protection than she received.
However, she has also criticized reality television shows, including Love Island, for potentially perpetuating abusive behavior under the guise of entertainment.
Malin’s ex-boyfriend and abuser, Tom Kemp, was charged with ABH in 2020, partly due to phone footage she was able to provide to the police.
He pleaded guilty in court and was sentenced to 10 months in prison, serving three months.
Before the change in the law, coercive and controlling behavior was not a criminal offense unless the couple lived together.
However, now partners who do not live together can report non-violent abusive and controlling behavior to the police.
Despite this progress, Malin believes there is still a lot more work to be done on the subject, including educating people on what constitutes abusive behavior.
She did not know what coercive and controlling behavior was when she was experiencing it four years ago and was unaware that laws existed for it.
Malin has worked with organizations such as Women’s Aid and Refuge, as well as the government, to raise awareness of the plight of many women.
However, she believes that many people still do not understand what to report or how to do it.
Domestic abuse can take many forms, including sexual assault, coercion, emotional and psychological abuse, financial abuse, stalking, controlling phones, and even using children or pets to control the victim.
Malin emphasized that reality television shows should take more responsibility and not allow abusive behavior to be broadcast in the name of entertainment.
She argued that this behavior is damaging, and young people may think it is normal or entertaining.
Malin believes that these shows prioritize drama over the well-being of the contestants and viewers.
SupportLine, Women’s Aid, and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline provide support for victims of domestic abuse.
It is essential to recognize that abuse can take many forms and to educate oneself on the signs and ways to report it.