Why is Dan Osborne, a man who threatened to stab his ex-wife, allowed on 'Celebrity Big Brother'?

It is abundantly clear that Channel 5’s decision to welcome him onto the show dismisses the severity of domestic abuse

Channel 5 is facing criticism for signing reality TV’s Dan Osborne, a former cast member of The Only Way of Essex, to take part in Celebrity Big Brother. Viewers expressed concern after recordings resurfaced online in which Osborne threatened to stab his ex-wife.

Osborne apologised, saying he had no intention to act upon his threats, and stated: “It’s no doubt and no secret that I’ve been through a media storm, but it’s made me a better person and I’ve learned a lot from it.” It is abundantly clear Channel 5’s decision to welcome him onto Celebrity Big Brother dismisses the severity of domestic abuse, and gives the impression abusive behaviour is of little consequence.

The show’s decision about its new cast member is surprising, not least due to the recent backlash several men have faced on Made In Chelsea, Love Island and TOWIE, after exhibiting aggressive and manipulative behaviour towards women. The backlash shows modern audiences are less accepting of the status quo, but we still have a long way to go when it comes to learning about different forms abuse can take and how it can play out in relationships.

Domestic abuse has many forms and is not just physical. It can be economic, technological, sexual, emotional and psychological: all of them with devastating and long lasting impacts on victims.

I have spent 15 years supporting women who have survived domestic abuse and have witnessed the impact on them. Behaviour such as that exhibited by Osborne stays with women long after a relationship is over.

I have also countered many misconceptions about women who suffer. One is why women do not speak out more. I find they do, but sometimes people choose not to listen. Also, acknowledging someone is a perpetrator of abuse can be especially difficult when that person is or was an intimate partner, friend or colleague. People also question why women do not leave abusive partners. We find that when women threaten to leave or do so, that can be when they are most at risk.

A recent survey by the Hestia charity found one in three Brits do not know how to help someone experiencing domestic abuse. Furthermore, the survey revealed more than half of children who witness domestic abuse will go on to experience it in their first relationship. We must not forget children are often the hidden victims, and their recovery is just as important.

We know domestic abuse is everyone’s business. Theatre, television and film have an incredible platform to challenge the stigmas, stereotypes and lack of accountability that exist around domestic abuse and sexual violence today. For real social change to happen, we must not glamourise those that perpetrate abusive behaviour, which is exactly what Channel 5’s decision to include Osborne in the Big Brother house does.

Broadcasting platforms such as Channel 5 need to understand allowing perpetrators of abuse “celebrity” status is unacceptable, and they should recognise the impact it will have on audience members who have experienced domestic abuse. Producers must also be aware of the message they are conveying to perpetrators of abuse when they describe such behaviour as nothing more than a “media storm”, which is the “theme” of this year’s series. Abusive behaviour is not merely a theme – it can devastate lives. It can also end lives, as we know that an average of two women are murdered every week by current or former partners.

Individuals displaying coercive and controlling behaviour, and those who use threats and intimidation, need to be held to account. Being introduced by presenter Emma Willis as a ”hunky housemate” undermines and downplays the severity of Osborne’s actions. TOWIE removed him from the show, which is targeted at young people, and in doing so took a stand against domestic abuse.

Now the recordings of Osborne have resurfaced, hopefully his time in the house can provide an opportunity for the public to engage in discussions about what constitutes acceptable language, as well as educating young audiences about the components of a healthy relationship. I suggest the money Channel 5 receives from the public votes to keep Osborne in the house be donated to specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence services that support survivors of harassment and psychological abuse.

Lyndsey Dearlove is head of UK SAYS NO MORE at Hestia, a London charity supporting adults who have experienced domestic abuse.