Women’s Aid release a statement addressing Joe's behavior on Love Island
Women’s Aid UK has released a statement regarding Joe Garratt’s behaviour on this season of Love Island.
The Woman's advocacy group believe that the 22-year-old from South East London has shown signs of increasingly “possessive behaviour ” towards Lucie Donlan.
In an episode this week, he criticised her friendship with Tommy Fury and encouraged her to spend more time with the girls instead of talking to the other males in the villa.
Fans of the show took to social media to point out what they believe as “red flags” in their relationship.
‘I hope today is the day she woke up and she will change’
— Nadia Essex (@LadyNadiaEssex) June 16, 2019
The words of dread from Joe after just 2 weeks of a relationship. Last night he said ‘I can’t change you and don’t want to change you Lucie’
We all knew that was a lie.
Lucie is too good for Love Island. #loveisland
“I hoping this is the day she wakes up and she changes” I’m sorry joe but she doesn’t have to change for you you’re fully a control freak. So many red flags #loveisland
— Anna🪐🌙 (@annadoodle7) June 16, 2019
This prompted UK domestic abuse charity Women's Aid to release a statement on the matter.
Adina Claire, Co-Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, said:
Controlling behaviour is never acceptable, and with Love Island viewers complaining to Ofcom in record numbers about Joe’s possessive behaviour towards Lucie, more people are becoming aware of this and want to challenge it
"Abusive relationships often start off with subtle signs of control, so it’s important that it is recognised at an early stage. Love Island viewers are now very vocal in calling out unhealthy behaviour between couples on the show, and this is a positive development".
Earlier this year, ITV has announced all contestants of this year's series of Love Island will receive a minimum of eight therapy sessions after the show has ended.
The production company has outlined several new "duty of care processes" ahead of the fifth season of the show, one of which is to provide participants with "enhanced psychological support".
After more than 300 complaints have been made to UK's TV watchdog, Ofcom in recent days, ITV has released a statement reassuring viewers that they are taking the emotional well-being of all the islanders extremely seriously.
A spokesperson said: "We have dedicated welfare producers and psychological support on hand at all times who monitor and regularly speak to all of the islanders in private and off camera, especially if someone appears to be upset. All the Islanders are therefore fully supported by the professionals on site and by their friends in the villa."
"This means islanders are always able to reach out and talk to someone if they feel the need. We will, of course, continue to monitor all of our islanders in line with our robust protocols.
"Love Island holds a mirror up to relationships and all the different dynamics that go with them"
