EastEnders has worked with a Suffolk charity as part of its latest storyline.
Sudbury-based charity Hourglass was involved in the development and script review for Thursday night’s hour-long special and future episodes featuring the story of Yolande Trueman.
The character played by Angela Wynters was sexually assaulted by Pastor Clayton, a man who she considered a close confidante and friend.
Hourglass is the only UK wide charity supporting older victims and survivors of sexual violence and other forms of abuse.
According to the charity, the drama has already seen an upsurge in calls to their unique 24/7 helpline, casework service and instant messenger provision.
The charity says over 2.5 million people in the UK affected by the abuse of older people every year.
Hourglass's deputy CEO, Veronica Gray, says this could be a turning point in older victim-survivors coming forward.
She said: “Whilst the EastEnders storyline is fictional, rape and sexual assault of older people is very real. Too often there are ageist assumptions that sexual abuse is something that only happens to younger people.
“As a result, when cases like Yolande’s come forward, too often the victims are not believed. Public attitudes often fuel this, as Hourglass research shows that 35% of people in England do not believe inappropriate or unwanted sexual comments or acts directed towards an older person is abuse.
“For older victims of sexual violence, the stigma and shame mean that often the crime is not reported. Of those that are, few will result in a successful prosecution.
She added: “Huge thanks and credit to EastEnders and the BBC for bringing this subject matter to life and ensuring such victim voices are heard.
“The bottom line is, if you suspect an older person has been a victim of sexual violence, abuse or neglect please contact the Hourglass helpline on 0808 808 8141, free of charge and entirely confidential.
“No-one should suffer in silence and we are uniquely trained to support such victim-survivors.”
The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to make a donation by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.
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