TV presenter Nikita Kanda has told of harrowing details about domestic violence in her life for the first time.
Nikita, who was on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing last year, revealed the trauma she faced after experiencing domestic violence in her past. In an emotional Instagram post, the 29-year-old star encouraged her followers to seek help if they are going through such ordeals.
"It's something I've kept out of the public eye and even away from most people that know me, friends, colleagues and followers. But I feel a sense of duty to use my platform and use something negative that happened in my life for hopefully a positive change," the radio presenter posted.
"There is a major rise of violence against women and girls in this country which needs to just simply STOP! 2-3 women a week are dying because of this!"
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PA)Nikita, who became the presenter of the Asian Network Breakfast in July 2022, added: "This may be a shock to many of you, but I grew up in a very violent environment and experienced a huge amount of abuse physically and mentally for years.
"The trauma of watching the abuse happen severely to my incredible mum and then experiencing it myself is something I never thought I would get through. It's something that changes you forever, how you view the world and doesn't ever leave you no matter how much you try to forget.
"I never want any woman, child or mother to experience what we have as a family. In the Asian community, we're taught not to talk about these topics, sweep it under the rug and hide it. But I hope we can start speaking more freely, stamping out any judgement and just making sure women are safe."
- Is your partner excessively jealous and possessive?
- Is your partner charming one minute and abusive the next? Does your partner have sudden changes of mood – like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?
- Is your partner stopping you from seeing your family and friends? Do you feel isolated?
- Is your partner constantly criticizing you and putting you down in public?
- Does your partner embarrass you, often in front of family and friends, so that you are seen in a bad light?
- Does your partner play mind games and make you unsure of your own judgment?
- Does your partner tell you you’re useless and couldn’t cope without them?
- Does your partner control your money?
- Does your partner tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, what to think?
- Does your partner pressure you to have sex when you don’t want to?
- Are you starting to walk on eggshells to avoid making your partner angry?
- Does your partner monitor your movements? Or check up on you via your email, Facebook, Twitter or by looking at your text messages?
- Does your partner use anger and intimidation to frighten you and make you comply with his demands?
- Has your partner ever threatened you, or intimidated you by using violent language or smashing up the furniture?
- Are you forced to alter your behaviour because you are frightened of your partner’s reaction?
- Are you blamed for their behaviour e.g. they say you were "asking for it" or deserved the abuse?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you may be experiencing domestic violence.
Abuse is a crime and it is never your fault.
You don’t have to deal with this alone. Call the freephone National Domestic Violence Helpline at any time on 0808 2000 247.
Source: Refuge.org
Partnered with Gorka Marquez, the pair were the second couple to leave Strictly in 2023. Nikita, born in Birmingham, had described her participation in the programme as a "dream come true".
In her Instagram message, she urged her followers to look into domestic violence charity Refuge for support around domestic violence. The organisation provides specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
One follower penned: "So brave for sharing - sending my love to you and your family always." Another added: "So brave for sharing your story Nikita! And I am sure this will help loads of others speak up. Sending loads of love."
Abuse is a crime and it is never your fault. You don’t have to deal with this alone. Call the freephone National Domestic Violence Helpline at any time on 0808 2000 247. Source: Refuge.org
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