- If you have been affected by this story, you can seek help at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk or by calling 08082000247
Strictly Come Dancing’s Nikita Kanda has recalled being ‘locked in a room as a child’ as she discussed her harrowing abuse ordeal on Thursday.
The BBC Asian Network radio presenter, 29, who appeared in the 2023 series, bravely spoke about the violence she experienced for the first time.
Speaking in a new interview as she works to raise awareness, Nikita admitted she grew up in a ‘very violent environment’ with her mum also suffering.
The broadcaster said she has been ‘mentally scarred and traumatized’ by the abuse and still has to deal with ‘flashbacks.’
She told the Independent: ‘I was locked away in a little room. As a child, you don’t understand what’s going on, but you know it’s not OK and you know that it’s not normal. I was very angry and confused.’
Strictly Come Dancing’s Nikita Kanda has recalled being ‘locked in a room as a child’ as she discussed her harrowing abuse ordeal on Thursday
The BBC Asian Network radio presenter, 29, who appeared in the 2023 series, bravely spoke about the violence she experienced for the first time
Nikita added: ‘When you go through things like that, it mentally scars and traumatizes you. I still get flashbacks now. Sometimes you think you are OK and then sometimes it just randomly pops back into your head.
‘Going through something like that makes you a different person, but it makes you a stronger person. It makes you someone that is so resilient.’
In an update to Instagram, she added in a statement: ‘Sharing something quite personal on here today. It’s something I’ve kept out of the public eye and even away from most people that know me, friends, colleagues and followers but I feel a sense of duty to use my platform and use something negative that happened in my life for hopefully a positive change.
‘There is a major rise of violence against women and girls in this country which needs to just simply STOP! 2-3 women a week are dying because of this!
‘This may be a shock to many of you but I grew up in a very violent environment and witnessed and experienced a huge amount of abuse physically and mentally for years.
‘The trauma of watching the abuse happen severely to my incredible mum and then experiencing it myself is something I never thought I would get through.
‘It’s something that changes you forever, how you view the world and it doesn’t ever leave you no matter how much you try to forget.
‘I never want any woman, child or mother to experience what we have as a family. In the Asian community we’re taught to not talk about these topics, sweep it under the rug and hide it but I hope we can start speaking more freely, stamping out any judgement and just making sure women are safe.’
Speaking in a new interview, as she works to raise awareness, Nikita admitted she grew up in a ‘very violent environment’ with her mum also suffering
The broadcaster said she has been ‘mentally scarred and traumatized’ by the abuse and still has to deal with ‘flashbacks’
Nikita concluded: ‘If you have time please take a look at the video and check out the incredible work refuge charity do.
‘If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse Call Refuge’s 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
‘You are not alone and I understand you. Thank you for listening.’
The radio host is known for presenting the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast show, previously having fronted the Saturday afternoon show.
Nikita’s role as a presenter has seen her interview a number of household names, including Killing Eve star Sandra Oh, Bridgerton actors Kate Sharma and Charithra Chandran, Marvel actor Awkwafina and singer Nick Jonas.