Coronation Street Storyline Increases Rape Crisis Calls By 800%

Rape Crisis calls have increased by an outstanding 800% after Coronation Street character Carla Connor was raped by her fiancé.

Rape Crisis have reported that calls to their helpline have increased by an extraordinary 800%, as 10 million viewers tuned in to see the ordeal faced by Coronation Street’s Carla Connor after she was raped by fiancé Frank Foster in an episode aired last week.

The charity had to bring in more volunteers to cope with the increase in calls during the past week.

10 years ago, Coronation Street was criticised by the Independent Television Commission for their first attempt at a rape storyline when Toyah Battersby, played by actress Georgia Taylor, was brutally attacked in the middle of the night.

The storyline caused controversy amongst viewers and the soap was ridiculed for not offering proper advice or any information for female victims of rape.

The most recent storyline has also caused controversy as the scenes were shown before the 9pm watershed, but Rape Crisis praised the episode for its “well researched” storyline, as they believe that it is important for mainstream television programmes to tackle issues such as rape.

Yvonne Traynor works at the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, and spoke to The Fresh Outlook about the reaction they have had from the horrific yet honest storyline.

“We were told by ITV as to when it was going out, so we are already alerted for extra calls,” said Ms Traynor. “It shows people that there is somewhere that they can call, as we advertise our helpline on the television, as I think it is the first time anybody has realised that there is a number they can call and talk to what’s happened to them.”

Ms Traynor said that this particular storyline outlined the reality of rape, and that “portraying rape in a realistic fashion is what is important”.

This particular storyline is different as Carla, played by actress Alison King, was raped by her fiancé Frank, played by Andrew Lancel, whereas in other rape storylines, the attacker is not always so well known to the victim.

Men who rape women often do so to take control of a situation, and in this case it was clear that the character of Frank Foster felt everything was slipping away from him; he was losing control and to regain power over Carla he raped her.

“Rape is about being in control, having power of women and these feelings are finally showing people the true reasons behind these attacks, and ignoring the myths that men can’t control themselves,” said Ms Traynor.

A shocking 90% of rapes are committed by people that the survivors know, whether it is someone you met in a pub, or a friend of a friend, or even a husband as it is still illegal in a marriage. Men who attack women they are in a relationship with are less than likely to be found guilty, as many men say it was consensual.

Rape Crisis have been overwhelmed by the number of calls, and are hoping more women will be encouraged to speak out. Women can find support by visiting the website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of Toni Blay]