Ruth Dodsworth

Last year, Welsh television presenter Ruth Dodsworth opened up about her past experiences with domestic abuse. She said it took her 18 years to realize she was in an abusive relationship with her now-ex husband, who was sent to jail in April 2021 for harassment and stalking. Among other things, Jonathan Wignall would access Dodsworth's phone while she slept and call her constantly when she was at work. He even assaulted her physically. Fortunately, Dodsworth was eventually able to leave the relationship and has since encouraged other abuse survivors by sharing her story. “From people who recognize what's happening to themselves, to other people, who have said to me, ‘gosh Ruth we didn't realize what coercive and controlling behaviour was but it is only because your story went public that we are now able to recognise those signs,'” Dodsworth wrote in a piece for ITV, where she works. “It's just absolutely blown me away, and I think it's horrifying and surprising all rolled into one. Just the sheer number of other people who have been through, or know someone who has been through, or is going through, something similar: it's been such an eye-opener.” One woman even contacted Dodsworth to tell her she'd found the strength to report her own abusive husband, after reading about Dodsworth's experiences. For Dodsworth, that woman's message was a sign that speaking up had been worth it. In February, she was shortlisted for the 2022 St David Awards, the national Welsh awards which celebrate “everyday heroes.”