*Trigger Warning*

Although we are in the midst of a pandemic, a quiet epidemic is going on in the UK behind the scenes; there has been a huge increase in domestic and intimate-partner violence which needs to be addressed. As someone who has experienced an abusive relationship and it's aftermath, I wanted to briefly share my experience and discuss the signs of abuse as well as narcissistic tendencies. This episode was incredibly hard for me to record but I hope it is insightful and can help those who need it.

(The first few minutes is just me chatting about The Crown, American Horror Story, Glee and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air so a little more light-hearted!)

Articles mentioned and support resources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/signs-of-mental-abuse
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2024046
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/domesticabuseduringthecoronaviruscovid19pandemicenglandandwales/november2020

Victim Support Helpline
0808 168 9111
victimsupport.org.uk

Southall Black Sisters
Helpline: 0208 571 0800
southallblacksisters.org.uk

Sharan Project (South Asian Women Help & Support)
Information Line: 0844 504 3231
sharan.org.uk

National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline
Helpline: 0800 999 5428
galop.org.uk/domesticabuse/

Books

Living with a Dominator by Pat Craven
Why Does He Do That: Inside the minds of angry and controlling men by Lundy Bancroft
Power and Control: Why Charming Men Make Danger Lovers by Sandra Horley
Women who love too much by Robin Norwood