How TV Dramas Are Exposing the Realities of Domestic Abuse

Television storylines can be instrumental in raising awareness of domestic abuse and educating viewers on the often-overlooked signs, such as coercive control and emotional abuse. Popular TV shows such as Emmerdale, EastEnders, and Coronation Street have all depicted various forms of abuse, and their storylines not only challenge societal stigmas but have also led to tangible outcomes, such as increased calls to support helplines and donations to specialist charities.  

In 2020, actress Lorraine Stanley, known for her long-standing role as Karen Taylor in the BBC’s Eastenders, backed a joint campaign by Domestic Abuse Alliance, the Retail Trust and Dunelm to urge the retail industry to better support employees facing domestic abuse. In the show, Karen’s daughter Chantelle Atkins was murdered by her abusive husband. The storyline had a significant impact on raising awareness of domestic abuse and its impact, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an increase in calls to Women’s Aid and Refuge.  

Another long running soap, Emmerdale, ran a domestic abuse storyline in 2024 with characters Belle Dingle (played by Eden Taylor Draper) and Tom King (played by James Chase). Belle’s abuse began with coercive control but ended with her eventually reporting her abuser. When brought before the court, Tom was intent on twisting the narrative. Belle bravely fought back, with her testimony challenging his version of events. Tom was found guilty by the jury and was sentenced to three years in prison.  

The Emmerdale team included testimony from real life survivors of domestic abuse to ensure the storyline’s authenticity. With the support of New Beginnings Peer Support  Belle joined a support group for survivors allowing us to hear the real-life testimony through flashback. Powerfully, these were read whilst breaking the fourth wall, stepping out of the story to address viewers directly. 

A crucial part of Belle’s storyline, and her experience of abuse, was that she believed her beloved dog Piper to be deceased, after being told by Tom that the beloved pet was hit by a car and subsequently put down.  Later, it is revealed that this was part of Tom’s attempt to control Belle, and Piper is found to be alive and well. 

An often-overlooked form of domestic abuse is family pets being used as a tool for coercion. Research by Refuge4Pets and Dogs Trust (2021) found that nearly 90% of domestic abuse households reported pet abuse by perpetrators. 94% of these cases involved pets being given as ‘gifts’ and later used as tools for coercion.  

Ruby’s Law is a new campaign that proposes amendments to the Family Law Act (1996) to make sure pets are protected from abuse when seeking non molestation and occupation orders. This would also influence the Domestic Abuse Act (2021), which could then reference pet abuse as a form of controlling behaviour and the definition of economic abuse amended to include withholding access to pets as a form of control. It could also ensure that Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) include harm or threats to pets. As it stands, many victims of domestic abuse do not report breaches of court orders due to fear of harm to their pets in retaliation.  Many victims may delay leaving due to worry about their pet’s safety. If successful, Ruby’s Law could provide protection for pets meaning survivors report abuse earlier.  

Returning to the role of television in raising awareness of domestic abuse, Coronation Street recently announced a new domestic abuse storyline that’s scheduled to air on our screens soon. In his short time on the street, Mick Michelis (played by Joe Layton) has been known to have a short temper having rustled the feathers of more than one resident. His wife Lou (played by Farrel Hegarty) will find out the extent of his anger in upcoming scenes, beginning with an accusation of infidelity.  

When Lou becomes uncontactable concerns begin to rise for her wellbeing. Sean (played by Antony Cotton) goes to police to report a previous attack on himself by Mick in the hopes it will shine light on Mick’s violent behaviour and prevent Lou from suffering by Mick’s hand. After a trip to A&E when Lou suffers a head wound, suspicions of what has been happening behind closed doors are raised. But will Lou confirm or deny the cause behind the injury? Keep watching to find out. 

Some viewers may find this content upsetting or triggering. If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, please know that you are not alone and help is available. For support, you can contact the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247.  

Domestic Abuse Alliance provides civil legal support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Find out more and make an online referral: domestic-abuse.co.uk/.