Olivia Attwood revealed she was a victim of domestic violence in her previous relationships as she supported a new Loose Women campaign on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old TV presenter said the abuse she faced ranged from coercive control to intimidation and she began “editing” herself to make some of her ex-boyfriends happy.
Olivia supported the Loose Women Facing It Together campaign, which aims to raise awareness of domestic violence.
In a film shown on the programme, Olivia said: “I wanted to be part of the Loose Women Facing It Together campaign because I want people to know the Olivia you see on the panel – the confident version of myself – who I wasn't always something like that…'
She continued: “It would probably surprise a lot of people – as I've never spoken about it publicly – but in some of my previous relationships I have suffered domestic violence.”
Olivia Attwood revealed she was a victim of domestic violence in her previous relationships as she supported a new Loose Women campaign on Tuesday
The 32-year-old TV presenter said the abuse she faced ranged from coercive control to intimidation and she began “editing” herself to make her ex-boyfriends happy
“And I think being transparent can help someone else in a similar situation.”
“When I look back on past relationships, there have been issues that have manifested themselves in various forms – from coercive control to intimidation… and it will be hard for many people to imagine me editing myself because I felt like that I was annoying.” or I was too much.
“I very quickly became convinced that the things I was experiencing were normal or, if not normal, that they were my fault.”
“They will always find a way to doubt themselves, and they become almost artistic at planting the seed of doubt, and you begin to believe it.” “If you hear something enough, it becomes the truth. “
Before I add, “Something I read almost daily in my DMs from young women is, 'How did you become so confident?'” But what I want to share is that this didn't happen overnight.'
“We’re seen on TV as these women doing amazing things, but the same can happen to people like us.”
Olivia, who is now happily married to her husband Bradley Dack, does not name the exes who perpetrated these behaviors.
The panelist pushed the agenda along with her co-stars Brenda Edwards, Charlene White, Denise Welch, Frankie Bridge, Judi Love, Kelle Bryan and Sunetra Sarker.
The panelist pushed the agenda along with her co-stars Brenda Edwards (pictured), Charlene White, Denise Welch, Frankie Bridge, Judi Love, Kelle Bryan and Sunetra Sarker
Denise also recounted her ordeal. She said: “Many, many, many years ago I was in what I would call an emotionally abusive relationship.”
Kelle also spoke about her experience: “When I was exposed to domestic violence, I wish I had someone to deal with together.”
Denise, 65, Kelle, 48, and Brenda, 55, also all admitted that they had personally experienced domestic violence in the past.
The campaign, led by Women's Aid and SafeLives, aims to highlight the help available to people experiencing domestic abuse.
The initiative highlights important ways that friends and family can recognize the signs or support loved ones affected by domestic violence.
Denise also recounted her ordeal. She said: “Many, many, many years ago I was in a relationship that I would describe as emotionally abusive – it was never physical – but they are bruises that you just can't see.”
“Now I shudder to think that I endured this for so long and that it was best to get out of it.”
“These people are destroying your personality.” I was told that I couldn't imagine you would “bear” that, but my personality was diminished.
“There is something in many of us that thinks we can change people, [but] Unfortunately, these leopards very rarely change their place…”
Kelle also spoke about her experience: “When I was exposed to domestic violence, I wish I had someone to deal with together.”
The campaign, led by Women's Aid and SafeLives, aims to highlight the help available to people experiencing domestic abuse (pictured Charlene White).
The initiative highlights key ways friends and family can recognize the signs or support loved ones suffering from domestic violence (pictured: Sunetra Sarker).
Charlene, Frankie (pictured), Judi and Sunetra also explained why they support the campaign
Judi admitted: “I've definitely come across this a lot in previous work and with people I know personally (pictured: Judi Love)”
“We’re seen on TV as these women doing amazing things, but the same can happen to people like us.”
Charlene, Frankie, Judi and Sunetra also explained why they support the campaign.
Charlene said: “We probably all have examples where we know our friends have been in situations that were unhealthy for them and perhaps for their children too.” Hopefully this will help people understand how best to proceed and how can best offer support.
“Sometimes someone just wants to be listened to.” “Your girl gang can be the most important support you could ever ask for.”
Judi admitted: “I've definitely come across this a lot in previous work and with people I know personally.”
“There's always a moment where you think, 'What can I do?', so it's always something I'd like to commit to.”
The panelist pushed the agenda along with her co-stars Brenda Edwards, Charlene White, Denise Welch, Frankie Bridge, Judi Love, Kelle Bryan and Sunetra Sarker
She said: “There's always that moment where you think, 'What can I do?', so I always thought I'd like to get involved in the campaign” (Pictured: Judi and Olivia)
“One of the most important things people who abuse do is make them feel like they are the only one, and that is the easiest way to silence you.”
While Frankie said: “I think it's so important that we can use our space to raise awareness.”
“I think the campaign is important because I'm a mother of boys, because this happens to men too, and I think we forget that, but also to teach my boys the signs that they have – to make sure they Don’t fall into bad habits.” even with partners.
“I hope that through this campaign we can make people feel more empowered and I think we can help people help this person…”
Before Sunetra concluded, “I really hope this makes someone feel like they can pick up the phone and tell a friend or reach out or be honest.”
“I think focusing a campaign on domestic violence is so necessary and essential and we should keep reminding people that this doesn't just go away once we talk about it.” “It's present forever and ever If we don’t face it all the time, people will forget.”