Love Island has come under fire after a charity warned the show risks normalising abusive behaviour.
The popular dating programme was rocked with controversy following Luca Bish's reaction towards Gemma Owen on Movie Night. The fishmonger was outraged with Michael Owen's daughter after he accused her of "flirting" with Billy Brown.
The reaction prompted viewers to flood Ofcom with more than 3,000 complaints - and Luca's family have since issued an apology for his actions. Liverpool based charity Local Solutions branded the behaviour in the latest season of the ITV show as "difficult" to watch.
READ MORE: ITV Coronation Street fans rally round Jude Riordan after career announcement
The charity runs an Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) service and released a statement on Wednesday after "witnessing coercive and controlling behaviours". It said: "Watching Love Island has, at times, been extremely difficult and emotional for a lot of people, none more so than those who recognise the imbalance of power and control and coercive and controlling behaviours in relationships. We have unfortunately witnessed these behaviours in the Villa.
"The whole premise of the show is to allow males and females to pick partners but the power of choice is being used, in some cases, as a means to control. We have to ask, does this foster healthy relationships that encourage choice and the ability to speak freely and feel safe, equal and respected?
"Abusive behaviour is unacceptable and challenging; this is incredibly important, especially when the Love Island platform has such a huge reach. We cannot sit by and do nothing. Audiences watching may think this behaviour is acceptable, especially when a large portion of viewers are part of the younger generation.
"We have to recognise and challenge sexist abuse and bolster the messages of healthy relationships to call for change." Women's Aid also aired their concerns as explosive arguments showed Davide Sanclimenti brand Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu a liar, despite the Italian himself straying in Casa Amor.
Dami Hope, has also faced criticism from fans as he called former partner Summer Botwe "fake" after sharing a three-way kiss with her in Casa Amor. Local Solutions explained that coercive and controlling behaviours can include:
Keeping you away from friends.
Monitoring your movements.
Making you feel guilty/bad for not doing what they want.
Having different opinions about what is right/wrong and expecting you to follow or agree with them.
Challenging or making you fearful if you do not behave how they expect you to.
Making derogatory comments about you, sharing or threatening to share personal/private information/details/pictures with others without your consent.
Making you feel like you are to blame for their behaviour.
Becoming dismissive/aggressive/threatening when you challenge their behaviour.
The charity, which was founded in 1974, also outlined that it is ok:
To disagree and have your own opinion.
To change your mind.
To be different.
To make your own rules.
To say NO.
To have a voice and be heard.
Local Solutions operates the Worst Kept Secret Helpline, where support can be accessed by phone, online chat and email for anyone affected by domestic abuse or concerned about a friend or family member. You can also visit the Worst Kept Secret website here.
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
Paddy McGuinness pleads with Jamie Redknapp for help with kids
Message to Tesco, Asda, BP, Shell and Texaco customers filling up fuel in two weeks
Emmerdale's Isabel Hodgins swoons as she enjoys relaxing day with 'my love' co-star
Busted star Charlie Simpson’s warning after son suffers secondary drowning
Holidaymakers heading to Spain now need extra documents to enter country
