Note: This story contains discussion of themes including domestic violence and abuse, as well as an image which some readers may find upsetting.
Love Island star Malin Anderson has helped to raise awareness of violence in relationships by sharing an image of her bruised arm.
The reality star took to Instagram on Saturday to identify as a survivor of domestic abuse, sharing the shocking image with her followers and trying to help them recognise the warning signs "before it's too late".
She captioned the post: "*TRIGGER WARNING* So I wanted to share this post with you all as it’s NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH. It's all a bit raw for me but I wanted to raise awareness for domestic abuse.
"I just want to post traits and warning signs so you can recognise them before it's too late. I will open up fully and share my story once I come to terms with it all and I hope you understand."
Malin continued: "Domestic violence affects millions, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status. It's not just punches and black eyes; it's yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and isolation.
"It's stealing a paycheck, keeping tabs online, non-stop texting, constant use of the silent treatment, or calling someone stupid so often they believe it."
After sharing the helpline for Women's Aid, which can help victims of all kinds of domestic abuse, Malin added: "I also recommend the FREEDOM COURSE which has helped me massively. ONCE YOU CHOOSE HOPE, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE."
Readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk) or Women’s Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk). Both charities run the 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Violence Helpline, 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
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