A DOMESTIC violence victim who helped actress Louiza Patikas portray an abused wife in The Archers has said she is proud of the radio soap for tackling the issue.

The explosive storyline, has drawn criticism and support across the nation since the dramatic episode in which Helen Titchener stabbed her husband Rob was aired.

Some listeners complained the Radio 4 show had gone from an everyday story of farming folk to Eastenders.

But Mandy Thomas said: “It is vital that domestic abuse is portrayed clearly, in all its ugliness – and The Archers has not shied away from that.

“It does not matter if people are uncomfortable when they listen to it. They need to understand the painful reality of domestic abuse, and how coercive control can envelop a victim, crushing her spirit.”

Miss Thomas, known to many as the mother of Swindon singer Jahmene Douglas, is a survivor ambassador for Women’s Aid, which helps the victims of domestic violence and abuse.

In a guest post on Mumsnet she explained: “Domestic abuse isn't just physical violence. It is mental abuse. It is coercive control that creates an invisible prison for the abused.

“This is what we have been hearing on The Archers – the slow, insidious mental torture that Rob has been inflicting on Helen. I am a real life Helen.”

Her view was backed by Olwen Kelly, Swindon Women’s Aid director, who told the Advertiser today: “I think what The Archers’ storyline did was to show the extreme side of what can happen.”

She pointed out that domestic abuse often escalated during pregnancy and in 30 per cent of cases it actually began then.

The isolation suffered by victims was also increased for those who lived in rural areas where the issue was often even more of a taboo subject and where there was a lack of services.

She said the issue had been handled well, especially the insidious way abuse often became part of a relationship.

“There are a lot of people I’m sure, that have listened to this storyline and have thought at certain times: ‘That’s happened to me'.”

Miss Thomas met Louiza to give her an understanding of what Helen was experiencing.

She told the actress of the physical abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex-partner.

But she said: “The mental side of domestic abuse is another dark story. Many have their souls and minds broken – as has happened to Helen – even when the physical wounds have healed.”

The effect on her children was also devastating.

Her oldest son, Daniel, killed himself when his father was released early from prison. She lost another son when she was violently attacked while pregnant.

Miss Thomas was helped by Women’s Aid and has since campaigned to help the charity.

“I don't know where I would be now without Women's Aid," she said.

"That is why I am raising funds for them so that they can continue their lifesaving work with women and children.”