This morning, I heard an inter view by Emma Barnett on radio 5, with Mark Fletcher, Conservative MP. He made a speech in the HoC recently about his experience of domestic and emotional abuse, as a boy of 11. It's available on line, as is the interview with Emma Barnett today.
He said he hadn't intended to disclose personal details in his HoC speech, which was aimed at raising awareness. When he stood to speak, he said he put his notes down and spoke of his own experiences. At the time, he felt fine but for some days afterwords felt drained. (my words not his).
He spoke in the interview I heard this morning of the terror he felt when his step father arrived home. About the physical and emotional abuse of his mother, which eventually left her "broken". He spoke of emotional abuse by this man towards him, which he initially kept hidden from his mother. The final assault on his mother left her in need to psychiatric care. When she told him not to worry that she'd make it ok with step dad so they could all be together again, he told her he didn't want that and opened up to her about the abuse he was experiencing. It seems his mum did then end the relationship.
I do hope that his bravery influences his party to ensure services focussed on preventing d.a., on providing the support that is needed, rather than the continued slash and burn approach.