ITV weather presenter Ruth Dodsworth has candidly disclosed the economic abuse she endured both during and after her marriage to her now ex-husband.
Despite her 26-year career, the 48-year-old journalist found herself financially destitute, with no savings, property, or stable credit rating.
Her ex-husband, Jonathan Wignall, had obtained credit cards and loans in her name, leaving her in dire financial straits.
A Bid to Help Others
In an effort to raise awareness and assist others facing similar situations, Ruth Dodsworth has opened up about the enduring financial repercussions of her abusive relationship.
Her pension remains the sole asset she retains control over, but she alleges that Jonathan continues to pursue a share of it.
She ponders the paradox of possessing a university degree yet lacking a personal bank account.
Financial Control and Isolation
Ruth recounted how her ex-husband seized her entire salary, even allocating her a specific sum for a modest lunch.
She explained that this control over finances deepened her isolation, as she was forced to decline offers from concerned colleagues and lost sight of important mail and bills.
At the time, she was unaware that economic abuse was a facet of coercive control, and she couldn’t have foreseen the enduring consequences it would have on her life.
A Featured Case in the Report
Ruth’s experience is among those documented in the report titled “Seen Yet Sidelined,” published by the charity Surviving Economic Abuse.
The report aims to elucidate the impact of economic abuse in successful prosecutions of the Controlling or Coercive Behaviour Offence.
Previous Disclosures and Fears
Ruth Dodsworth has previously shared her ordeal on the television program Loose Women.
She recounted how her children once called her, urging her not to return home out of fear for her safety.
She expressed her anxieties about her ex-husband’s early release from prison after serving only half of his three-year sentence, a fear that ultimately materialized when he was released after 18 months.
The Start of Coercive Control
Reflecting on the onset of abuse, Ruth explained that it began with possessiveness, which she initially interpreted as a sign of love.
However, it eventually escalated into overwhelming and all-encompassing control.
She described the insidious nature of coercive control, emphasizing that it operates beneath the surface, often going unnoticed.
Over the years, she had become increasingly isolated from her friends, constantly tiptoeing around her ex-husband’s moods.
The Juxtaposition of Personalities
Ruth characterized her ex-husband as having two distinct personas.
He could be charming and kind, but this demeanor was unpredictable, and it could abruptly shift.
The emotional turmoil extended into her professional life, with Ruth often leaving home in tears, only to put on a smile when entering the studio.
Invasion of Privacy and Security Measures
Ruth further detailed how her ex-husband attempted to access her phone to monitor her messages and demanded she FaceTime him while away for work to verify her whereabouts.
Following his early release from prison, she installed security cameras and alarms in her home as a precautionary measure.
A Brave Revelation for Awareness
Ruth Dodsworth’s decision to share her story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impacts of abuse, particularly financial abuse.
Her openness can help raise awareness and potentially assist others facing similar challenges.
It underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing coercive control in relationships, emphasizing the need for support and legal protections for victims.
