Eastenders abuse storyline.

Channel H · Eastenders abuse storyline.

Any of you peeps watch it and if so what do you think about the storyline involving Tony's abuse of his 15 year old step-daughter Whitney? The BBC say they have heavily researched the subject and that what we see accurately reflects what may happen in a real life case. Some are of the view that it is necessary to include in the show as it may make more victims come forwards and also may help other family members see the signs easier if a relative is doing that to someone close to them.

Tango Bunny

the actor who plays Tony is quite scarily creepy......he's dumped Whitney now and has his eyes on Lauren......not sure if I approve of the storyline but this sort of abuse goes on in all our lives no matter how we feel about it I do think its an issue that should be raised if only to get those being abused to call in after the programme

dragon

My sister is a single parent of 4 children and I have always warned her of men who she thinks are attracted to her, but maybe he may be more interested in her kids, as this has gone on forever.

tonyW

I agree that such issues need to be discussed in the open and victims given the help they need and the guilty exposed & prosecuted.

However, I am not convinced that a light entertainment soap is the best vehicle for such a sensitive subject.

I get a bit peed off with the overt `If you have been effected by any of the issues` statement after what is meant to be entertaining. Seems to me that they are wannabe serious documentary makers.

I think it shouold be left for expose ducumentaries and similar serious forums.

Tango Bunny

yes I agree to a certain extent Tony but if the reason behind it is to reach the abused so that they may seek help then it's right to put the situation into a light entertainment programme rather than a serious documentary.....after all how many young teens do you know that would watch a serious programme and how many would watch something like Eastenders.....if at the end of the day only a small percentage would ring the helpline then they will have acheived what they set out to do by airing it

Paignton

Its very worrying when you have children and then meet a new partner

I can remember when I first met Paul after splitting up with my hubby and all sorts do go through your mind

He had never been married, and never had kids and again it makes you wonder why?/ It was a good two to three months before Paul met my girls and even then he was never left alone with them, I was always in the house etc.

As it turned out he was 'normal' and my kids love him to pieces as most of you know, in fact they think more of him than there own dad

tonyW

Call me cynical if you will (and you probably will!)

...but I smell `anything to up the ratings` rather than a deep concern for anyone`s welfare.

If someone gets help because of it then great, who could not want that...but I doubt that abused teenagers watching Eastenders (probably in the same room as the abuser) are likely to get anything other than watched more carefully in case they do ask for help.

Perhaps the emphasis should be more on talking to kids in school, away from the abusive environment, where they might be reassured that they will not be further punished for speaking out.

Childline and other organisations such as Samaritans opt for the personal but anonymous approach and they are the experts.