Trigger Warning: Some images below may be considered of an upsetting nature.
Love Island star Malin Andersson shared an old photo of her face with bruises and scratches in the hope of shining a light on domestic abuse.
The 26-year-old former reality TV star wanted to make an important point about not just the physical nature of domestic abuse, but the emotional and mental impact.
She wrote in the caption to her 484k Instagram followers: ‘The external isn’t as bad as the internal. Damage not to my physical body but my mental health also.’
‘PTSD. Constant thoughts of “am I crazy, did any of this happen?” Questioning myself. Wondering how I kept quiet for so long,’ she added.
Malin continued: ‘I lost myself completely. I wasn’t Malin, I was someone else.
‘I was trapped. I thought I was ok. I thought that it was my fault. I kept going back because I thought I was in love. I thought this was all love. It’s not.
‘I woke up one day and decided to break the cycle. I knew enough was enough. I didn’t know if I would ever see this day, the constant head f***, but I promise you the day I set free came to me, it will come to you.
‘They will make you out to be crazy. You’re not.’
She then urged her followers to ‘seek help before it’s too late’ and to ‘end the cycle’ of domestic abuse.
‘You’re not alone,’ she added.
Fans started to flood the young star’s Instagram page with love and support.
One fan wrote: ‘You are so strong and beautiful, you should be so proud of yourself, you’re smashing it and you’re helping so many women to feel more confident and strong.’
While another responded: ‘I wish you so much goodness and light for your future.. you deserve so much love and hope.’
Then another simply commented: ‘Such a brave woman.’
It’s not the first time she’s been outspoken about experiencing domestic abuse in the past.
During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month last month, she shared a picture of her bruised arm.
She also listed the traits of a narcissist, and the feelings associated with being in a narcissistic relationship.
MORE: Tyga spotted riding with mystery woman who bears striking resemblance to ex Kylie Jenner
MORE: Christine McGuinness and Danielle Armstrong go glam and nail it for Float like a Butterfly Ball
