Leading charity Women’s Aid has condemned the behaviour of a Love Island contestant and is calling on viewers to speak out against all forms of domestic abuse.
In last night’s episode, contestant Adam Collard was confronted by fellow islander Rosie Williams, who was upset that he had “ditched” her for new arrival Zara McDermott.
“I don’t think you have any idea how much you’ve hurt me and how much you’ve really upset me. And the worst thing is, I don’t think you care,” Williams told him.
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Adam appeared to smirk while she poured out her feelings, and questioned her interpretation of the events, says the BBC. He even claimed she had “pushed him away” with her jealousy.
That interaction has prompted Katie Ghose, chief executive of Women’s Aid, to issue a statement warning about emotional abuse.
“On the latest series of Love Island, there are clear warning signs in Adam’s behaviour. In a relationship, a partner questioning your memory of events, trivialising your thoughts or feelings, and turning things around to blame you can be part of pattern of gaslighting and emotional abuse,” she said.
Ghose called on viewers to recognise unhealthy behaviour in relationships and to speak out against all forms of domestic abuse, emotional as well as physical.
“It is only when we make a stand together against abuse in relationships that we will see attitudes change and an end to domestic abuse,” she added.
This year’s Love Island continues to post record ratings of up to 3.4 million viewers.
