Yahoo News Emmerdale receives complaints over harrowing rape scene
Warning: The following article contains descriptions of sexual assault that may be triggering for some readers.
Emmerdale shocked viewers last night (Monday, April 24) following the latest disturbing twist in the Pierce Harris storyline.
The episode, which aired pre-watershed, saw Pierce (Jonathan Wrather) shoving his future wife Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) to the floor and brutally raping her.
Viewers were divided after seeing such harrowing scenes in the 7pm hour – although the act of rape was implied rather than shown – and now Ofcom has confirmed to Digital Spy that there have been 62 complaints about the Emmerdale episode.
"We will assess these complaints before deciding whether or not to investigate," a spokesperson added.
It's important to note that Emmerdale producer Iain MacLeod and his writing team worked with Women's Aid and Rape Crisis to help portray the rape scenes as sensitively as possible.
An Emmerdale spokesperson told Digital Spy: "Emmerdale has a history of raising awareness of difficult subjects and consequently Rhona and Pierce's story was thoroughly researched and carefully signposted prior to transmission including a warning advising viewers of a shocking assault.
"In accordance with rigorous compliance regulations, the drama was intentionally implicit rather than explicit. Regular viewers of Emmerdale will be aware that Pierce has mentally, physically and emotionally abused Rhona over a prolonged period of time."
Previously, Henry said that she initially wondered when reading the script if some of the violence was too strong to air on telly – but realised it reflected the brutality that goes on unnoticed behind closed doors.
The fallout from Pierce's abuse - and Rhona's desperate attempt to get away from him - will play out on Emmerdale tonight (April 25) at 7pm on ITV.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of sexual violence. If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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