The broadcaster and weather presenter Ruth Dodsworth speaks to former police officer turned comedian Alfie Moore about her experiences as a victim of crime. 

Ruth talks about her idyllic childhood in Gower in South Wales before sharing her harrowing story as a survivor of coercive control. Her former husband was jailed after he pleaded guilty to charges of stalking, coercive and controlling behaviour after subjecting the ITV Wales presenter to a nine-year campaign of abuse

Alfie and Ruth are joined by Naomi Smith, the CEO at Her Centre, a charity based in Greenwich offering support to women experiencing domestic abuse:  Naomi offers advice about what to do if you or someone you know is a victim of coercive control.

Please note, this may be a difficult listen for you.  

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Need help or support?

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

You do not need to wait until a situation becomes an emergency to seek help. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, tell someone you trust, such as your GP, a friend, family member or support organisation.

You can find information about domestic abuse and available support services on GOV.UK.

Other sources of support

  • Women: The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (run by Refuge) is available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.
  • Women: Email helpline@womensaid.org.uk for confidential support.
  • Men: Contact the Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or access its online webchat service.
  • Men: Call ManKind on 01823 334244.
  • LGBT+ people: Contact Galop on 0800 999 5428 or email help@galop.org.uk.
  • Forced marriage or so-called honour-based abuse: Contact Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247 or the Forced Marriage Unit on 020 7008 0151.

Some pharmacies and banks provide safe spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse. Find out about Safe Space locations near you.

The Survivor's Handbook from the charity Women's Aid is free and provides information for women on a wide range of issues, such as housing, money, helping your children and your legal rights.

If you're worried you are behaving abusively in your relationship, call the free Respect Phoneline on 0808 802 4040.

The Neighbourhood Watch Podcast is an Adore Audio production. If you would like a transcript of this episode you can find that here.