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Domestic abuse charity warns ITV of 'extremely concerning' behaviour by men on Love Island

This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 31st May 2023

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Love Island: SR8 on ITV2 and ITV Hub

Pictured: The Love Island Villa.

This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk.  This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms

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The latest series of Love Island has been criticised by women's charities concerned about 'misogynistic' behaviour. (ITV)

A leading domestic abuse charity has issues a statement labelling the alleged "misogyny and casual sexism" in this year's Love Island as "extremely concerning".

Refuge said "the double standards, gaslighting and coercive control being displayed by the men in the villa is hugely problematic" and has urged any viewers who are victims of similar treatment to contact them.

The latest season of the hit ITV show has been marred by "disturbing behaviour" in the famous villa. Last week women's charity Women's Aid spoke out on the need for Love Island to support its contestants.

And now some male contestants have been accused of misogynistic behaviour - with reports of complaints to Ofcom over the issue.

Domestic abuse charity Refuge has criticised Love Island for allowing 'problematic' behaviour of male contestants (Refuge/Twitter)
Domestic abuse charity Refuge has criticised Love Island for allowing 'problematic' behaviour of male contestants (Refuge/Twitter)

A spokesperson for Refuge said in a Tweet: "The misogyny and casual sexism witnessed on this series of Love Island is extremely concerning.

"The double standards, gaslighting and coercive control being displayed by the men in the villa is hugely problematic.

"If anything you've seen has impacted you, our National Domestic Abuse helpline is here if you need support.

"Call our freephone 24/7 on 0808 2000 247 or contact us online."

This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 31st May 2023

From Lifted Entertainment

Love Island: SR8 on ITV2 and ITV Hub

Pictured: The Love Island Villa.

This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk.  This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms

For further information please contact:
james.hilder@itv.com
Love Island is one of ITV's biggest shows, but this series has been marred by criticism of 'abusive' behaviour by male contestants (ITV)

Last week Teresa Parker, head of communications and media relations at Women's Aid, told Yahoo News UK: "Love Island is watched by many young people and we know what a huge influence it has.

"Producers must make sure there is support for contestants throughout, and intervene if relationships become unhealthy or abusive."

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Her comments came after Adam Collard - a contestant from the 2018 series - returned to the villa as a 'bombshell'.

The reality star was previously criticised for alleged "gaslighting", a form of manipulation where the bully or abuser creates a false narrative, often forcing the victim to question their judgements and reality.

ITV has been approached for comment.