It can take a lot of courage to be the voice in the crowd.
I'm not sure I could ever be the one to speak up at a time when the majority are being quiet.
So, those who do and who, by doing so, make a difference to the lives of others, should be applauded.
This week, I found myself in awe of reality TV star, Malin Andersson.
For those of you who don't know the 27-year-old, she appeared on Love Island a few years ago.
In 2019, she hit the headlines when her her four-week-old daughter, Consy, who had been born premature, sadly passed away.
Since then, she has maintained a strong social media presence, speaking on various issues including coping with grief, body image and baby loss. However, I never paid much attention - until now.
This week, I learned that she is also someone who, in private, has been bravely fighting another difficult battle - as a victim of domestic violence.
This week, she spoke out to reveal that her ex-partner had abused and beaten her.
Tom Kemp (29), from Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court after admitting assault.
Malin had been left with a catalogue of injuries following a violent incident at Kemp's hands, which was just the latest in a long campaign of mental and physical abuse.
This week, Kemp was jailed for 10 months prompting Malin to speak out about her experience in a bid to help other victims.
She said: "The last 2 years including my pregnancy have been absolute hell. No one knows half of what I’ve gone through and I haven’t been able to say much due to an ongoing police investigation".
The Love Island star revealed she had been "spat at, hit, pushed, kicked, scratched, spoken down to, controlled, manipulated, cheated and so much more ....".
She continued: "I am here to tell you - YOU CAN GO TO THE POLICE!".
Bravely, she added: "I have gone through some of the worst pain imaginable over the past couple of years and if me speaking out and showing my strength can help even one person in a similar situation and encourage them to leave an unhealthy relationship then it’s worth any negative things he has to say about me.
"I will not be mistreated any longer," she added.
I have to say, I am just in awe of Malin.
Reading about her experience, which she coped with in private and with great courage, is just amazing.
It occurred to me that finally, here we have an example of a reality TV star who is using her media presence and influence for something worthwhile - and not to sell teeth whitening or buttock implants.
I think Malin's brave decision to reveal her trauma should be warmly welcomed.
Even if it helps just one person find hope or the bravery to escape a violent partner, she has achieved more than any of us could hope to in a lifetime.
Well done Malin.
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The line-up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing is looking pretty darn good.
I have to say, the 2020 show is shaping up to be very entertaining indeed.
Those preparing to slip on their dancing shoes in a bid to win the Glitter Ball Trophy include actress Caroline Quentin, boxer Nicola Adams who will compete as part of the show's first same-sex couple, and comedian Bill Bailey.
And as usual, there's some names I am not familiar with.
Still, my interested has been pinged.
So, let's get going.
Cosy Saturday nights in with Strictly - love it.
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Competition
The dark nights are coming so why not grab a blanket and settle down with a "gripping and twisty" read to entertain you on the sofa.
Keep Your Eyes On Me by number one best-selling author, Sam Blake has been described as "a delightfully dark and satisfying" book.
When Vittoria Devine and Lily Power find themselves sitting next to each other on a flight to New York, they discover they both have men in their lives whose impact has been devastating.
Lily's family life is in turmoil, her brother left on the brink of ruin by a con man.
Vittoria's philandering husband's latest mistress is pregnant.
By the time they land, Vittoria and Lily have realised that they can help each other right the balance.
But only one of them knows the real story...
I have five copies of Keep Your Eyes on Me by Sam Blake to give away to five lucky readers.
If you fancy winning a copy, simply email your name, address and telephone number - along with the answer to the question below - to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is 12 noon on Tuesday, September 15, 2020.
(Q) Who wrote Keep Your Eyes On Me?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
The winners of the How To Play Dead competition are Cathy McCartan, from Benburb, Kevin McBride, from Belfast, Katharine McGuckin, from Cookstown, Teresa Smith, from Strabane, and Anne Jordan, from Glengormley
