‘Isolation is a victim's worst NIGHTMARE

Former Spice Girl Mel B gives abuse sufferers courage to escape the vicious trap she lived in for almost a decade…

- SELINA MAYCOCK

Being told to ‘stay at home’ by the government has been hard for many, but those living in abusive environments are no doubt feeling more trapped than ever. Like the deadly coronavirus, domestic abuse isn’t confined to any particular section of the population, but the big difference is that its victims often suffer in silence for many years. Refuge – the UK’s largest domestic abuse charity – has reported an alarming 120% rise in calls in a 24-hour period since lockdown measures began on 23 March.

One woman who says she knows what it feels like to be trapped in an abusive relationship is Spice Girl Mel B, who has spoken of suffering while with her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte. It’s been over three years since she made the break, but this current world health crisis and its effect on abuse victim resonates with Mel, who wants to help others regain control of their lives.

LOCKDOWN FEARS

Clearly affected by how the lockdown rules were impacting victims’ lives, Mel, 44, spoke out on Twitter. She said, ‘Coronavirus isolation is our worst nightmare after years of torture at [the] hands of abusers.’ Mel spent 10 years with her former partner until the death of her father, Martin, gave her the strength to leave Stephen in December 2016 and reconnect with her family.