the nickname Scary Spice, so it's hard to imagine that behind closed doors Mel B – real name Melanie Brown – was a victim of domestic abuse for ten years.She quietly suffered at the hands of her abuser before finding the strength to speak out, her story immortalised in her memoir Brutally Honest.
Nowadays, Mel, patron of Women's Aid, campaigns tirelessly for domestic abuse survivors and she was recognised for her commitment earlier this year with an MBE in the Queen's Honours List.READ: Alex Scott admits she's a 'proud feminist' but more change is needed to achieve gender equalityIn an exclusive interview with HELLO!
for our International Women's Day digital issue, the singer reveals why she stayed quiet for so long, the post-abuse trauma she still feels today, and the turning point that encouraged her to break her silence.Honestly, I was completely overwhelmed, so much so that I couldn't even speak for a few minutes, I had tears rolling down my face.
It was very emotional for me. For years I'd kept silent and one of my fears was that no-one would ever believe me – which is such a common feeling for any woman in an abusive situation.READ: Samantha Cameron gets candid about mum juggle and the realities of raising children in Downing StreetREAD: Janette Manrara reveals 'bittersweet' truth behind decision to leave Strictly Come DancingEven when my book Brutally Honest came out, I still had this feeling: 'Do people believe me?' It's so hard to shake and it's something I've spoken to so many other women in the same situation.
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