'I had to block out everything that was happening to focus on my job as a politician' - Kathleen Funchion on coercive control ordeal

"Ireland South MEP Kathleen Funchion has said she "did the right thing" in speaking publicly about her experience of coercive control by a former partner, because it had encouraged many women and their families in similar situations to seek help."

"She has also said politics had become so toxic for women that she thinks she wouldn't get involved if she was starting out today."

Kathleen Funchion is the Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South. She said she did the right thing by speaking publicly about her experience of coercive control by a former partner. She said going public encouraged many women and their families in similar situations to seek help. She said political life has become increasingly toxic for women. She said the toxicity of politics has made her think she would not get involved if she were starting a political career today.

Read at Independent