Domestic abuse charity speaks out over the ‘gaslighting’ of male contestants on Love Island

A men’s domestic abuse charity has spoken out over the “manipulation and gaslighting” of the male contestants on Love Island 2023.

Over the last few weeks, viewers have shared a number of complaints about the behaviour of female Islanders on this year’s winter Love Island, following the movie night episode which saw Shaq left in tears.

During the movie night episode, Shaq saw a video of Tanya kissing Martin in Casa Amor and an argument erupted between the couple. Shaq was left devastated and walked out the villa in the tears and was comforted by fellow Islander Tom.

via ITV

In a statement to Mail Online domestic violence charity, ManKind Initiative, has called for the male Islanders to be treated the same as the women on the show.

The statement read: “Love Island has once again showed that when it comes to abusive behaviours against partners such as manipulation and gaslighting, it affects men as well as women as victims.

“The producers need to make sure they apply the same standards to the male contestants as they have had been forced to in recent years for female contestants. We and our supporters are monitoring the show closely.”

Prior to entering the Love Island villa, Islanders are given training on how to avoid gaslighting and controlling behaviours in relationships. Part of the training included videos on guidance covering inclusive language around sexuality, race and ethnicity, disability and microaggressions.

via ITV

ManKind Initiative previously voiced their concern about the treatment of male Islanders on the show after Ofcom received 25,000 complaints over Faye Winter’s treatment of Teddy Soares in the 2021 summer show.

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A spokesperson for ITV told The Sun all Islanders are offered the same duty of care from the team and a welfare team is “solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after.”

A source close to the show also told The Sun: “Love Island holds a mirror up to relationships and all the different dynamics that go with them.”

Love Island 2023 continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. For all the latest Love Island news and gossip and for the best memes and quizzes, like The Holy Church of Love Island on Facebook.

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Featured image credit via ITV.