EASTENDERS has revealed it will tackle parent abuse in a harrowing storyline that will see Kat Slater abused by her son Tommy Moon.
The taxi boss – who is played by actress Jessie Wallace in the BBC soap – was seen being punched by young Tommy (Sonny Kendall) in tonight’s episode.
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Viewers watched as Kat confronted Tommy over his attempts to trick her into getting back with ex Phil Mitchell.
But as she took him to task and told him it would never happen, Tommy ran at her and violently punched her in the stomach, forcing her to knock him back in self-defence.
And now soap bosses have confirmed that it will form part of a summer storyline for the soap as Tommy uses violence to control his mother.
It will show the effects this has on their mother-son relationship, and the wider Slater-Moon family as a whole.
EastEnders is working closely with Family Based Solutions and PEGS, as well as experts in the field to ensure the child-to-parent abuse storyline is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible, and NSPCC have consulted on wider aspects of the storyline.
Soap boss Chris Clenshaw said: “Kat is well-known in Albert Square for her no-nonsense attitude and fiery temper, but this storyline will explore how Tommy manipulates Kat’s unequivocal love for her son to exert his anger and elicit control.
“Jessie [Wallace] and Sonny’s [Kendall] performances have thoughtfully portrayed the complex realities of child to parent abuse with compassion and understanding, and the storyline will demonstrate how Tommy’s behaviour effects their relationship and the wider Slater-Moon family as a whole.
“To ensure we accurately and sensitively portray the realities of child to parent abuse, we have worked alongside Family Based Solutions, PEGS and NSPCC as well as other experts in the field.”
Jason Phasouliotis, Secondary Age Lead Practitioner at Family Based Solutions added: “We’re proud to be working alongside EastEnders on this storyline to bring to light a critical and often overlooked issue: child-to-parent abuse (CPA).
“Throughout our time working together, EastEnders has shown a deep commitment to portray this sensitive topic with the seriousness it deserves, and we hope this storyline will resonate with families experiencing CPA to encourage them to reach out for support.”
Michelle John, Director at PEGS added: “This storyline is a critical turning point for those experiencing child to parent abuse.
“By EastEnders showing the reality of child to parent abuse (CPA), not only will it shine a light on CPA, but we hope it will encourage important discussions and raise awareness of the situations parental figures are facing across the UK and further afield.
“PEGS was privileged to work alongside EastEnders and provide insight, guidance and support for the team.
HOW YOU CAN GET HELP:
Women’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
“It was clear from our first conversation that the script writers wanted to ensure the storyline came across in a way that was real but with respect and compassion for those who have or who are experiencing this form of abuse.
“We hope that will encourage parents, carers or guardians to come forward and seek support.”