EastEnders praised by anti-rape campaigners for tackling ‘reality’ with Dean Wicks’ not-guilty verdict
Charity Rape Crisis spokesperson said that often 'the reality of rape is seen as too difficult to represent'
EASTENDERS has been praised by anti-rape campaigners for its "bold decision" to have a not-guilty rape verdict.
Dean Wicks had been accused of the attempted rape of Roxy Mitchell last year. The police had dropped the case on his rape of Linda Carter, his brother's wife.
Viewers slammed the soap after the jury found Dean not guilty on yesterday's episode, but charity Rape Crisis feel that the verdict was, sadly, a realistic one.
Rebecca Hitchens, Operations Coordinator at Rape Crisis South London, claimed that Eastenders had been "breaking new ground" in its depiction of Dean raping Linda.
She said that the soap's approach to the storyline was supported by the charity.
Ms Hitchens commented: "Too often the reality of rape is seen as too difficult to represent and so stereotypes are relied on and reinforced; however we have continued to work alongside scriptwriters on this storyline and applaud the way they have challenged so many myths in the process."
She said that the soap had been "bold" by not making it about the "usual version of a courtroom drama" and "instead show[ing] the stress and the anxiety survivors and their loved ones experience in the criminal justice system waiting for the outcome, and learning the verdict".
RELATED STORIES
Ms Hitchens highlighted the fact that there is a major issue with rape victims fearing that they will either not be believed or that they will be judged for what has happened to them.
She revealed that only 1 in 5 women who are raped report in to the police and that of those who do choose to report it, many cases are closed by the police and Crown Prosecution Service because of insufficient evidence.
Ms Hitchens added: "When there is a trial we know that convictions for rape are among the lowest of any offence."
She said that while viewers may be "angry and frustrated that Dean does not get the comeuppance he deserves and be shocked that he has got away with his crimes again", it is an "important reality to face".
She added: "EastEnders shows the strength that women can find in togetherness, in solidarity.
"But we as a society need to do more. We need to stand alongside survivors. We need to believe.
"We need recognise the incredible strength and resilience and courage that it takes to break the silence and speak out about sexual violence."
For help and/or support, ring the Rape Crisis National Freephone Helpline: 0808 802 9999
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220