Women’s Aid praises Love Island viewers for calling out Joe’s ‘possessive behaviour’

'Controlling behaviour is never acceptable'

Women’s Aid has issued a statement in response to Joe Garratt’s behaviour on Love Island in relation to his partner, Lucie Donlan.

Garratt’s treatment of Donlan came under fire in Sunday night’s episode of the ITV2 reality TV show, in which he criticised her friendship with boxer Tommy Fury, calling it “strange” and "disrespectful", adding: “I think it’s time for you to get close with the girls”.

Following the episode, 302 viewers complained to broadcasting watchdogs Ofcom about the treatment of Donlan thus far on the series.

Many people accused Garratt of “emotional abuse” on Twitter.

Now, the domestic abuse charity has called out Garratt’s “controlling behaviour” in a statement on its website.

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.”

Claire continued by explaining that abusive relationships often begin with “subtle signs of control”.

“So it’s important that it is recognised at an early stage,” she added. “Love Island viewers are now very vocal in calling out unhealthy behaviour between couples on the show, and this is a positive development.”

Responding to Women's Aid's statement, a spokesperson for Love Island said:

"We take the emotional well-being of all the Islanders extremely seriously. 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."

It's not the first times Garratt's behaviour has been criticised by viewers. In the first few episodes of the show, several Twitter users described his behaviour as "manipulative" after Donlan went on a date with Fury.

Despite Lucie having no choice but to go on the date, as per the rules of the show, Garratt later told her that he didn’t feel he could “trust" her anymore, regardless of the fact that they'd only been on Love Island for a couple of days.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in a relationship, call the Freephone 24/7 National Domestic Violence Helpline, run by Women’s Aid in partnership with Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.womensaid.org.uk.