Surviving Domestic Abuse, Building a ￡500K Business, and Turning Pain Into Power.

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this edition of Leaders in Disguise features a profound conversation with Chris London , founder of 22:22 Marketing . Chris bravely shares his experience of enduring 15 years of predominantly verbal domestic abuse from an ex-partner, a journey that underscores the often overlooked reality of male victims in abusive relationships.

Despite the hardships, Chris’s story is not just one of survival but of remarkable resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. He didn’t just endure; he thrived by channelling his experiences into the founding of a successful business that has billed over ￡500,000 to date.

The Statistics: Unspoken Realities & Breaking the Silence

Male victims of domestic abuse frequently face societal stigma and a lack of resources, making their struggles largely invisible. Consider these statistics from the ManKind Initiative :

• 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
• Only 10% of male victims will tell the police, 23% will tell a person in an official position, and only 11% will tell a health professional.
• In 40% of domestic abuse cases, men are the victims.

Chris’s courage to speak out serves as a powerful call to action for awareness and the importance of supporting all victims of domestic abuse.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The mental health toll and unspoken challenges of female-to-male domestic abuse.
• How Chris overcame years of abuse and used his experiences as a catalyst to start and grow a successful business.
• Why it’s crucial for men to break the silence on their experiences with abuse.
• Practical tips for balancing mental health and business growth, even under the most challenging circumstances.

Chris’ story will inspire anyone who feels trapped by their circumstances to reclaim their power and transform pain into a force for positive change.

Support and Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, resources are available:

• ManKind Initiative Helpline: 0808 800 1170
• Directory of Services for Victims and Survivors

Listen and Follow

Don’t miss this compelling story of leadership and resilience. Follow Leaders in Disguise to listen to more episodes that delve into the challenges leaders face in their personal and professional lives.

Join the Conversation

After listening, reflect on your own experiences. How do you balance the demands of leadership with personal wellbeing? Share your thoughts and engage with others in the comments below.