How Western governments, the media & billionaires have dumbed us down! (Part 2)

The Black Spy Podcast 208, Season 21, Episode 0009

In this week’s second part of a two-part edition of The Black Spy Podcast, Dr. Rachel Taylor rejoins Carlton King to continue dissecting the forces that they began explaining last week.

Dr. Rachel she argues, governments, billionaires and the mainstream mass media they control, have combined to engineer a less critical, more malleable Western society. Together, they explore how political expediency, cultural trends, and financial power converge to shape the mindset of citizens — often to the advantage of elites.

Together Carlton and Rachel explore Wokeism, Infantilization, Political Expediency and undue influence by Big Business, Billionaires, and the powers that be have dumbed down western styled democracyThe discussion tackles the rise of wokeism as both a cultural movement and a political tool. Dr. Taylor examines how, rather than promoting genuine inclusivity or tolerance, the rhetoric of “wokeness” is often used superficially by politicians and institutions to avoid deeper, more difficult reforms. This, she argues, has infantilized Western youth, encouraging them to view the world through oversimplified moral binaries rather than cultivating resilience, complexity of thought, or responsibility. Carlton and Dr. Taylor ask whether this culture of fragility has left the next generation more dependent, less capable of critical thinking, and easier to manipulate.

Moreover Dr. Rachel and Carlton also turn the minds to the influence of corporations and billionaires, highlighting how immense financial power shapes political agendas. They suggests that the alignment of big business and political actors promotes short-term expediency over long-term strategy, leaving the average citizen disempowered and distracted. Through advertising, media control, and cultural sponsorship, corporations not only influence consumption but also reinforce the infantilization of society by rewarding conformity and discouraging dissent. The result, they argue, is a Western public increasingly unable — or unwilling — to challenge authority or demand genuine accountability. All aspects reinforvced by the mainstream mass media who now hire news readers not analytical news anchors.

Conclusion Across both episodes, the conversation underscores a provocative thesis: that Western citizens have been systematically dumbed down through a cocktail of cultural manipulation, political calculation, mainstream media manipulation and financial dominance. Dr. Taylor contends, that this serves the interests of those who benefit from a passive, compliant, and distracted public.

Listeners can expect a forthright, challenging dialogue that pulls no punches in questioning the health of Western democracy and the resilience of its citizens in the face of elite control.

Please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another fascinating episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

 

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

Click the link below:

 

https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h

How Western governments, the media & billionaires have dumbed us down! (Part 1)

The Black Spy Podcast 207, Season 21, Episode 0008

In this and next week’s two-part edition of The Black Spy Podcast, Dr. Rachel Taylor joins Carlton King to dissect the forces that, she argues, have combined to engineer a less critical, more malleable Western society. Together, they explore how political expediency, cultural trends, and financial power converge to shape the mindset of citizens — often to the advantage of elites.

Together Carlton and Rachel explore Wokeism, Infantilization, Political Expediency and undue influence by Big Business, Billionaires, and the powers that be have dumbed down western styled democracyThe discussion tackles the rise of wokeism as both a cultural movement and a political tool. Dr. Taylor examines how, rather than promoting genuine inclusivity or tolerance, the rhetoric of “wokeness” is often used superficially by politicians and institutions to avoid deeper, more difficult reforms. This, she argues, has infantilized Western youth, encouraging them to view the world through oversimplified moral binaries rather than cultivating resilience, complexity of thought, or responsibility. Carlton and Dr. Taylor ask whether this culture of fragility has left the next generation more dependent, less capable of critical thinking, and easier to manipulate.

Moreover Dr. Rachel and Carlton also turn the minds to the influence of corporations and billionaires, highlighting how immense financial power shapes political agendas. They suggests that the alignment of big business and political actors promotes short-term expediency over long-term strategy, leaving the average citizen disempowered and distracted. Through advertising, media control, and cultural sponsorship, corporations not only influence consumption but also reinforce the infantilization of society by rewarding conformity and discouraging dissent. The result, they argue, is a Western public increasingly unable — or unwilling — to challenge authority or demand genuine accountability. All aspects reinforvced by the mainstream mass media who now hire news readers not analytical news anchors.

ConclusionAcross both episodes, the conversation underscores a provocative thesis: that Western citizens have been systematically dumbed down through a cocktail of cultural manipulation, political calculation, mainstream media manipulation and financial dominance. Dr. Taylor contends, that this serves the interests of those who benefit from a passive, compliant, and distracted public.

Listeners can expect a forthright, challenging dialogue that pulls no punches in questioning the health of Western democracy and the resilience of its citizens in the face of elite control.

Please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another fascinating episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

 

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

Click the link below:

https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h

The Shocking Effect Of Soap Operas - with Neuroscientist Dr Rachel Taylor (Part 2)

Black Spy Podcast, 206, Season 21, Episode 0007

Over the last two weeks the Black Spy Podcast has analysed soap operas.

Soap operas, as a television genre, trace a significant part of their lineage to Latin American telenovelas, which emerged in Mexico during the mid-20th century. These serialized dramas, often rooted in melodrama, romance, and moral dilemmas, served as cultural exports across Latin America and beyond, blending traditional storytelling with contemporary social issues. The telenovela format’s success lay in its capacity to reflect local cultural norms while also pushing boundaries—presenting themes such as female independence, class mobility, and taboo relationships—sometimes in ways that challenged prevailing social conservatism.

In Britain, long-running staples like Coronation Street (1960–) and EastEnders (1985–) inherited this narrative strategy but adapted it to distinctly British working-class milieus. They were not merely entertainment; they became quasi-social documents, portraying gritty realism in domestic, communal, and romantic life.

Over time, these soaps began to normalize lifestyles and issues that, in broader society, were once marginal—such as same-sex relationships, interracial marriages, non-traditional family structures, and open discussions of mental health, addiction, and gender identity.

Through repetition and integration into everyday plotlines, such narratives subtly influence public attitudes, moving topics from the periphery into the mainstream.

However, as soap operas in Britain have become less realistic, seemingly needing to be more sensational to gain viewers their relevance has lessened and become a tool of a vision of living that could splinter society rather than as was originally the ideal to unite it.

Critics have argued that this gradual social shift is not purely organic. The creative and editorial leadership in major television networks—particularly in Western ‘democracies’ —often emerges from academic, artistic, and cultural sectors that lean left-of-centre politically. This has led to claims that soap operas serve as vehicles for progressive social messaging under the guise of everyday drama. While this perspective risks oversimplifying the complex interplay between audience demand, artistic intent, and institutional culture, it is true that soaps often act as cultural laboratories, introducing and normalizing ideas before they achieve widespread societal acceptance.

In essence, from Mexican telenovelas to British soaps, the genre’s enduring power lies in its ability to reflect life while also reframing it—sometimes in ways that deliberately shift cultural norms toward seemingly more inclusive, and often more seemingly progressive, visions of society.

Please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, thereby you'll never miss another fascinating episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

Click the link below:

https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h

The Shocking Effect Of Soap Operas - with Neuroscientist Dr Rachel Taylor (Part 1)

Black Spy Podcast, 205, Season 21, Episode 0006

Over the next two weeks the Black Spy Podcast will analyse soap operas.

Soap operas, as a television genre, trace a significant part of their lineage to Latin American telenovelas, which emerged in Mexico during the mid-20th century. These serialized dramas, often rooted in melodrama, romance, and moral dilemmas, served as cultural exports across Latin America and beyond, blending traditional storytelling with contemporary social issues. The telenovela format’s success lay in its capacity to reflect local cultural norms while also pushing boundaries—presenting themes such as female independence, class mobility, and taboo relationships—sometimes in ways that challenged prevailing social conservatism.

In Britain, long-running staples like Coronation Street (1960–) and EastEnders (1985–) inherited this narrative strategy but adapted it to distinctly British working-class milieus. They were not merely entertainment; they became quasi-social documents, portraying gritty realism in domestic, communal, and romantic life.

Over time, these soaps began to normalize lifestyles and issues that, in broader society, were once marginal—such as same-sex relationships, interracial marriages, non-traditional family structures, and open discussions of mental health, addiction, and gender identity.

Through repetition and integration into everyday plotlines, such narratives subtly influence public attitudes, moving topics from the periphery into the mainstream.

However, as soap operas in Britain have become less realistic, seemingly needing to be more sensational to gain viewers their relevance has lessened and become a tool of a vision of living that could splinter society rather than as was originally the ideal to unite it.

Critics have argued that this gradual social shift is not purely organic. The creative and editorial leadership in major television networks—particularly in Western ‘democracies’ —often emerges from academic, artistic, and cultural sectors that lean left-of-centre politically. This has led to claims that soap operas serve as vehicles for progressive social messaging under the guise of everyday drama. While this perspective risks oversimplifying the complex interplay between audience demand, artistic intent, and institutional culture, it is true that soaps often act as cultural laboratories, introducing and normalizing ideas before they achieve widespread societal acceptance.

In essence, from Mexican telenovelas to British soaps, the genre’s enduring power lies in its ability to reflect life while also reframing it—sometimes in ways that deliberately shift cultural norms toward seemingly more inclusive, and often more seemingly progressive, visions of society.

Please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, thereby you'll never miss another fascinating episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

Click the link below:

https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h

Britain’s Broken Police System! (Part 2)

Black Spy Podcast, 204, Season 21, Episode 0005

Over this week’s Black Spy Podcast will continue analysing Britain’s broken policing system.

The British policing system is increasingly seen as broken — caught between ideological pressures, a hostile media, disengaged politicians, and internal dysfunction. Once a globally respected model of "policing by consent," UK policing is now the perennial "whipping boy" of the British media, frequently lambasted from all sides. This criticism is partly due to a cultural shift where trust in institutions has declined, but also because policing uniquely occupies a frontline position in enforcing state power — a role that makes it ripe for both legitimate scrutiny and sensationalist scapegoating.

Unlike in many other countries, British politicians rarely champion the police. In the United States or France, political leaders across the spectrum often vocally support their law enforcement institutions, viewing them as essential to national identity and internal security. In contrast, UK politicians tend to distance themselves from the police when controversy arises, often feeding public cynicism rather than countering it. This absence of political backing leaves police officers demoralised and vulnerable to being thrown "under the bus" in times of crisis, rather than being defended or constructively supported.

Popular media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions. British television dramas and films frequently portray police as racist, misogynist, or institutionally corrupt. While some of these representations are rooted in real scandals, if incomplete understandings such events as the Stephen Lawrence case, the mishandling of rape investigations, or the behaviour of some Metropolitan Police officers — the fictional depiction often magnifies these issues with 1960’s and 70’s generalised stereotypes of police actions that are now way reflective of modern British policing. This creates a public narrative that all officers are morally compromised, poorly trained, or socially regressive, further damaging morale and recruitment. Moreover, policing is a dangerous job, but unlike their colleagues in practically every other police service in the world including the British province of Northern Ireland, mainland British police officers generally have no firearm with which to defend themselves and the public with. As 98% of British are constantly unarmed.

At the same time, UK policing is accused of becoming excessively “woke.” Forces are encouraged to demonstrate social awareness on issues like diversity, inclusion, and gender identity. Critics argue that time spent on symbolic gestures — like dancing at Pride or policing social media posts — detracts from crime prevention and erodes public confidence. However, police are also under relentless scrutiny from every political angle: derided by the left for being oppressive, and by the right for being too politically correct. This contradictory environment makes effective leadership and consistent operational focus nearly impossible.

Recruitment and retention have become serious problems. Policing is no longer seen as a desirable career: the risks are high, pay is relatively low, public respect is diminishing, and the threat of professional ruin following a viral video or policy misstep is ever-present. Consequently, many experienced officers are leaving, while entry standards have been lowered to fill vacancies. Complex educational entry requirements, meant to professionalise the service, have ironically deterred candidates who may be strong in practical, frontline aptitude but not academically inclined.

Internally, management within many forces has become overly bureaucratic, with senior officers often unwilling to support their junior colleagues. Fear of reputational damage and media backlash means command staff are more likely to criticise rank-and-file officers than defend them. This top-down culture promotes self-preservation over solidarity and weakens operational cohesion.

In sum, British policing today is a system adrift — politically abandoned, socially caricatured, ideologically pulled in all directions, and professionally undermined. Without cultural, political and managerial reform, trust in the police will continue to erode, and with it, the very foundations of public safety and civic order.

Please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, thereby you'll never miss another fascinating episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

Click the link below:

Britain’s Broken Police System! (Part 1)

Black Spy Podcast, 203, Season 21, Episode 0004

Over the next two weeks the black spy Podcast will look into Britain’s broken policing system with former Metropolitan Police officer - Karl.

The British policing system is increasingly seen as broken — caught between ideological pressures, a hostile media, disengaged politicians, and internal dysfunction. Once a globally respected model of "policing by consent," UK policing is now the perennial "whipping boy" of the British media, frequently lambasted from all sides. This criticism is partly due to a cultural shift where trust in institutions has declined, but also because policing uniquely occupies a frontline position in enforcing state power — a role that makes it ripe for both legitimate scrutiny and sensationalist scapegoating.

Unlike in many other countries, British politicians rarely champion the police. In the United States or France, political leaders across the spectrum often vocally support their law enforcement institutions, viewing them as essential to national identity and internal security. In contrast, UK politicians tend to distance themselves from the police when controversy arises, often feeding public cynicism rather than countering it. This absence of political backing leaves police officers demoralised and vulnerable to being thrown "under the bus" in times of crisis, rather than being defended or constructively supported.

Popular media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions. British television dramas and films frequently portray police as racist, misogynist, or institutionally corrupt. While some of these representations are rooted in real scandals, if incomplete understandings such events as the Stephen Lawrence case, the mishandling of rape investigations, or the behaviour of some Metropolitan Police officers — the fictional depiction often magnifies these issues with 1960’s and 70’s generalised stereotypes of police actions that are now way reflective of modern British policing. This creates a public narrative that all officers are morally compromised, poorly trained, or socially regressive, further damaging morale and recruitment. Moreover, policing is a dangerous job, but unlike their colleagues in practically every other police service in the world including the British province of Northern Ireland, mainland British police officers generally have no firearm with which to defend themselves and the public with. As 98% of British are constantly unarmed.

At the same time, UK policing is accused of becoming excessively “woke.” Forces are encouraged to demonstrate social awareness on issues like diversity, inclusion, and gender identity. Critics argue that time spent on symbolic gestures — like dancing at Pride or policing social media posts — detracts from crime prevention and erodes public confidence. However, police are also under relentless scrutiny from every political angle: derided by the left for being oppressive, and by the right for being too politically correct. This contradictory environment makes effective leadership and consistent operational focus nearly impossible.

Recruitment and retention have become serious problems. Policing is no longer seen as a desirable career: the risks are high, pay is relatively low, public respect is diminishing, and the threat of professional ruin following a viral video or policy misstep is ever-present. Consequently, many experienced officers are leaving, while entry standards have been lowered to fill vacancies. Complex educational entry requirements, meant to professionalise the service, have ironically deterred candidates who may be strong in practical, frontline aptitude but not academically inclined.

Internally, management within many forces has become overly bureaucratic, with senior officers often unwilling to support their junior colleagues. Fear of reputational damage and media backlash means command staff are more likely to criticise rank-and-file officers than defend them. This top-down culture promotes self-preservation over solidarity and weakens operational cohesion.

In sum, British policing today is a system adrift — politically abandoned, socially caricatured, ideologically pulled in all directions, and professionally undermined. Without cultural, political and managerial reform, trust in the police will continue to erode, and with it, the very foundations of public safety and civic order.

Please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, thereby you'll never miss another fascinating episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

Click the link below:

https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h

 

Crime - What is it? (Part 2)

Black Spy Podcast, 202, Season 21, Episode 0003

 

Over two weeks the black spy Podcast has been looking into what CRIME is by navigating the undermentioned points:

In the UK, the creation of criminal law is the responsibility of Parliament. A crime is not considered such unless it is defined in statute (an Act of Parliament) or recognised under common law (judicial precedent). For example, theft is defined under the Theft Act 1968, while murder is a common law offence. Parliament introduces new criminal offences or modifies existing ones in response to societal change, public concern, or evolving threats—such as terrorism or online abuse. The legislative process involves proposing a bill, debating it in both the House of Commons and House of Lords, and receiving Royal Assent before it becomes law. The judiciary then interprets these laws and ensures they are applied fairly and consistently.

It is important to understand that not all harmful acts are criminal. For instance, a breach of contract may be serious but is dealt with in civil rather than criminal courts. Crime carries an element of public condemnation and involves the state acting against the accused on society’s behalf.

Once a law is in place, enforcement falls primarily to the police. In the UK, policing is carried out by local forces across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with the Metropolitan Police and other specialised units (such as the National Crime Agency) handling national and transnational threats. Police officers investigate crimes, protect the public, gather evidence, and arrest suspects where appropriate. However, their powers are bounded by legal and ethical frameworks, including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), the Human Rights Act 1998, and codes of practice.

The modern police role extends beyond reactive enforcement. Officers are also expected to prevent crime, engage with communities, and build trust. This includes neighbourhood policing, intelligence gathering, and working in partnership with local agencies to address root causes like poverty, drug misuse, or domestic abuse. Increasingly, police use data and technology—such as predictive analytics or body-worn cameras—to support transparency and efficiency.

Ultimately, crime in the UK is a legal construct shaped by democratic processes. The police operate as agents of the law, balancing enforcement with public service, and must always act within the confines of legality and proportionality to maintain legitimacy and uphold justice.

So, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained this and next week’s continuation of this subject are must listen episodes. Please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, thereby you'll never miss another episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

Click the link below:

https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h

Crime - What is it? (Part 1)

Black Spy Podcast, 201, Season 21, Episode 0002

Over the next two weeks the black spy Podcast will look into what CRIME is navigating the undermentioned points.

In the UK, the creation of criminal law is the responsibility of Parliament. A crime is not considered such unless it is defined in statute (an Act of Parliament) or recognised under common law (judicial precedent). For example, theft is defined under the Theft Act 1968, while murder is a common law offence. Parliament introduces new criminal offences or modifies existing ones in response to societal change, public concern, or evolving threats—such as terrorism or online abuse. The legislative process involves proposing a bill, debating it in both the House of Commons and House of Lords, and receiving Royal Assent before it becomes law. The judiciary then interprets these laws and ensures they are applied fairly and consistently.

It is important to understand that not all harmful acts are criminal. For instance, a breach of contract may be serious but is dealt with in civil rather than criminal courts. Crime carries an element of public condemnation and involves the state acting against the accused on society’s behalf.

Once a law is in place, enforcement falls primarily to the police. In the UK, policing is carried out by local forces across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with the Metropolitan Police and other specialised units (such as the National Crime Agency) handling national and transnational threats. Police officers investigate crimes, protect the public, gather evidence, and arrest suspects where appropriate. However, their powers are bounded by legal and ethical frameworks, including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), the Human Rights Act 1998, and codes of practice.

The modern police role extends beyond reactive enforcement. Officers are also expected to prevent crime, engage with communities, and build trust. This includes neighbourhood policing, intelligence gathering, and working in partnership with local agencies to address root causes like poverty, drug misuse, or domestic abuse. Increasingly, police use data and technology—such as predictive analytics or body-worn cameras—to support transparency and efficiency.

Ultimately, crime in the UK is a legal construct shaped by democratic processes. The police operate as agents of the law, balancing enforcement with public service, and must always act within the confines of legality and proportionality to maintain legitimacy and uphold justice.

So, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained this and next week’s continuation of this subject are must listen episodes. Please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, thereby you'll never miss another episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

Click the link below:

https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h

The consequences for nuclear proliferation of the Israeli - Iran War

The Black Spy Podcast, 200, Season 21, Episode 0001

 

This week’s Black Spy Podcast looks at the consequences of the Israeli attack on Iran and the subsequent 12 day war for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

As part of Carlton’s ‘Critical Thinking’ orientated episodes, where he asks listeners to think beyond the mass media fed narrates that state’s wish their citizens to imbibe, Carlton outlines massive anomalies, double standards and hypocrisy.

Learn about IAEA position, which states already possess nuclear weapons and the value of these weapons to those states.

Carlton uses his decades of expertise in the UK’s national security, secret intelligence and governmental close protection fields to assess this area of his previous work including his feel for the situation due to non-proliferation counter intelligence role.

So, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained this and next week’s continuation of this subject are must listen episodes. Please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, thereby you'll never miss another episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

Click the link below:

https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h

 

 Critical Thinking 

Combatting Domestic Abuse (Part 2)

Black Spy Podcast 199, Season 20, Episode 0010

Below is a concise yet data-rich overview of the current domestic violence situation in the UK, as discussed in Part One of the Black Spy Podcast, featuring host Carlton King (“The Black Spy”), neuroscientist Dr Rachel Taylor, and journalist Firgas Esack.

Host Carlton King (“The Black Spy”) sits down with Dr Rachel Taylor, a leading neuroscientist, and journalist Firgas Esack, to dive deep into these figures. This episode explores not only the statistics but the human, systemic, and gendered dimensions of domestic violence—shining light on under‑reported experiences, prevention strategies, and why these numbers matter.

This is Part Two of an extremely informative series on Combatting Domestic Violence—essential listening for anyone looking to understand and address this crisis in modern Britain.

📊 Prevalence & Victim Demographics (2023–2025)

National Crime Survey (Crime Survey for England & Wales, April 2025 release):

• 8.0% of people aged 16+ (3.9 million) experienced domestic abuse in the last year: 9.5% women (2.3 m), 6.5% men (1.5 m) en.wikipedia.org+6ons.gov.uk+6ons.gov.uk+6.

• Since age 16: 26.1% experienced abuse (30.3% women, 21.7% men) .

Year-ending March 2024 figures (ONS):

• 4.8% (2.3 m) experienced abuse: 6.6% women (1.6 m), 3.0% men (712,000) ons.gov.uk.

• Police recorded ~1.4 m domestic abuse incidents/crimes; 851,000 were actual crimes womensaid.org.uk+15ons.gov.uk+15en.wikipedia.org+15.

💔 Deaths Attributed to Domestic Violence (Apr 2023–Mar 2024)

Domestic Homicide Project (2024):

• 262 deaths related to domestic abuse: 164 homicides, 98 suicides triggered by abuse olliers.com.

• Over a four-year span (2020–2024): 1,012 deaths, including 501 homicides olliers.com.

• Separate ONS data: Between 2020–2022, 67.3% of domestic homicide victims were female vs. 12.1% non-domestic centreforsocialjustice.org.uk+3ons.gov.uk+3mankind.org.uk+3.

👥 Gender & Reporting: Under‑Reporting & Survivors Victim gender breakdown:

• Women face higher prevalence and severity: ~84% of reported victims and ~93% of defendants are male refuge.org.uk.

• Sexual offenses: 93% female victims, 7% male ons.gov.uk+1theguardian.com+1.

Under‑reporting:

• Only ~14% of serious incidents reported to police in EU contexts; UK similar en.wikipedia.org.

• Male reporting: ~21% of male victims did not tell anyone in 2022/23 (down from 49% in 2017/18); 18.2% of female victims had similarly not disclosed mankind.org.uk.

• UK analysis: ~712,000 male victims in 2024 vs. ~196,000 police-reported cases → over half a million male victims unreported higgsllp.co.uk.

• Barriers: stigma, disbelief (especially for men), fear of reprisals, minimization centreforsocialjustice.org.uk+15en.wikipedia.org+15womensaid.org.uk+15.

🔎 Summary & Contextual Insights

• Women experience domestic abuse at significantly higher rates, suffer more severe forms, and constitute the majority of homicides.

• Male victims are fewer in number but face substantial under-reporting—over 50% go unrecorded—with stigma and disbelief compounding the issue.

• Domestic violence incidents and fatalities remain alarmingly high: ~262 abuse-related deaths annually, with nearly 100 suicides linked to abuse each year.

All statistical data draw from official Office for National Statistics measures (released April–May 2025), Domestic Homicide Project reports, and reputable charity research.

 

So, if you want to continue learning this week’s continuation of last week's subject is a must listen episodes. Please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, thereby you'll never miss another episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

Click the link below:

https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h