Strictly star recalls 'violent' and 'abusive' upbringing - 'I never thought I'd get through it'
Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kanda has recalled the harrowing violence she witnessed growing up. The 29-year-old, who appeared in the 2023 series of the BBC dancing show alongside Gorka Marquez, said she felt it was her "duty" to use her platform in the hopes of creating a positive change.
In a candid statement shared on Instagram on Thursday, October 24, Nikita said: "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."
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The BBC Asian Network radio presenter added: "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.
"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.nationalda helpline.org.uk, You are not alone and I understand you. Thank you for listening."
Friends and fans alike raced to the comments to applaud the radio presenter, with former Strictly star Zara McDermott writing: "Inspirational." Another person said: "Thank you for sharing this. So true about Asian communities encouraging women to put up with it and stay silent!"
A third added: "You’re an absolute beam of light that came from such a difficult situation. Sending you all lots of love," while someone else penned: "Love you, so proud of you for speaking out and not letting that situation define you. it’s not easy but with people like yourself talking about it, it gives hope to others." "It’s never easy to talk about violence and trauma inflicted on yourself or loved ones. You’re incredibly brave and speaking up will only encourage other women/ survivors to speak up. Love you and keep spreading your light. using your platform for all the right reasons," another said.
