Love Island warned by men’s domestic abuse charity over toxic femininity

They have issued a statement

A men's domestic abuse charity is voicing its concerns following the actions of the girls of Love Island this year towards the men. Mankind Initiative has given insight into the "gaslighting and manipulation" shown by the girls towards the boys this year, especially in recent episodes. Shaq Muhammad, Tom Clare and Will Young have each been brought to tears during their time in the villa, whilst Kai Fagan has been involved in verbal confrontations as a result of the girls' behaviour. Calling on ITV to ensure the same duty of care is given in these circumstances as it would be to the women, they have dubbed the behaviour as "toxic femininity". Sharing a statement with MailOnline, a spokesperson said: "Love Island has once again showed that when it comes to abusive behaviours against partners such as manipulation and gaslighting, it affects men as well as women as victims. "The producers need to make sure they apply the same standards to the male contestants as they have been forced to in recent years for female contestants. We and our supporters are monitoring the show closely." The statement comes after Shaq fled the villa with Tom after last week's movie night, following clips being shown of Tanya's actions while away in Casa Amor. The footage showed Tanya kissing Martin in bed and rather than apologising, she fought with him on it. ITV told the Mirror in response to the statement: "Love Island holds a mirror up to relationships and all the different dynamics that go with them." In recent seasons, women's domestic abuse charities have issued statements over the behaviour of some of the male contestants, and Mankind Initiative believe the same should be considered when the roles are reversed. Last year, ITV changed things when it came to the care the contestants received before and after going into the Love Island villa. Following understandable ongoing concerns about the show's impact on contestants' mental health, ITV has made some important changes to their duty of care protocols. Back in 2018, the channel launched a review of participant welfare processes, and this year, they have gone even further when it comes to how the contestants are taken care of, both before they enter and once they exit the villa. Related links:

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