Strictly star reveals harrowing details of domestic violence for the first time in heartbreaking post
A STRICTLY Come Dancing star has opened up about harrowing details of domestic violence in her life for the first time.
The famous face took to the prestigious BBC dance floor during last year’s series.
TV and radio presenter Nikita Kanda, 29, became the presenter of the Asian Network Breakfast in July 2022.
Partnered with Gorka Marquez, the pair were the second couple to leave Strictly in 2023.
Taking to Instagram, Nikita revealed the trauma she faced after experiencing domestic violence in her past.
She wrote: “Sharing something quite personal on here today.
“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.
“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!”
Nikita 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.”
Continuing, the presenter said: “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.
Nikita encouraged her followers to look into domestic violence charity Refuge.
The organisation provides specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
HOW YOU CAN GET HELP:
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
She concluded: “You are not alone and I understand you.
“Thank you for listening.”
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.”