Aimee Gibbs' 'relatable' sexual assault storyline praised by Sex Education fans
Sex Education viewers have praised the show for its handling of a harrowing sexual assault storyline.
Season two of the Netflix landed on the streaming earlier in January, with many quickly devouring the new episodes within the space of a few days.
As well as seeing the return of much-loved characters like Maeve Wiley, Eric Effiong, Otis Milburn and his mum Dr Jean, viewers were also introduced to new storylines and a fresh batch of sex issues to boot.
But one of the most poignant plots, however, centred on Aimee Lou Wood's character (also called Aimee) who was sexually assaulted on the bus.
Since the show's return, creator Laurie Nunn has spoken out about her own experience, which inspired Aimee's powerful storyline.
The incident took place during episode three, as Aimee was on her way to school.
Aimee was carrying a birthday cake she had made for BFF Maeve and while she was stood up, a man masturbated onto her leg from behind.
At first, Aimee appeared to shrug the incident off and it was only when Maeve encouraged her to report the incident that the weight of what happened sunk in.
Aimee then agreed to report the crime, describing the culprit to the police, as well as outlining the course of events.
During her interview, a policeman asked Aimee whether the suspect was already on the bus when she got on, or whether he got on at a later stop.
It was during this time that the policeman referenced Aimee smiling at the man and Maeve quite rightly questioned the officer on the relevancy of his remark, which prompted Aimee to apologise for "wasting their time."
Over the course of the rest of the episode, Aimee struggled to come to terms with what happened to her, which not only impacted her relationship with boyfriend Steve (Chris Jenkins), but also left her traumatised to the point she no longer wanted to catch the bus.
The episode sparked numerous responses from fans on Twitter.
One fan wrote: "What hurt the most in Sex Education S2 is how Aimee tried so hard to be strong, thinking she was overreacting and doing everything to stay cool. It hurt so bad to watch that. Imagine having to walk to and from school each day to stay sane."
Another added: "I almost cried seeing the psychological trauma Aimee had to go through after being sexually harassed."
What hurt the most in Sex Education S2 is how Aimee tried so hard to be strong, thinking she was overreacting and doing everything to stay cool.
It hurt so bad to watch that.
Imagine having to walk to and from school each day to stay sane.
😔😔— the man of faith tells himself what to believe. (@Eseosa__)
I almost cried seeing the psychological trauma Aimee had to go through after being sexually harassed. She is so innocent!! #SexEducation pic.twitter.com/1UHrvi9K8i
— Kapitan Barbossa💀 (@HammedAkinyemi)
aimee's story is so significant. i'm so glad that mavie convinced her to report the violence and and the support of all the other girls,,, just wow 💘 no one should be afraid of just walking around and talking about these things that happen daily is always good!#sexeducation pic.twitter.com/NNNYZaYOOD
— 𝚝𝚢𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚘𝚝 (@xflorenzistan)
Aimee’s bus story line in season 2 is the most important and horrific and heartwarming thing I’ve ever seen :( @sexeducation
— hannah (@millar0814)
In a scene reminiscent of The Breakfast Club, Aimee was joined by Maeve, Lily, Ola, Olivia and Viv in detention, and the young women were tasked to find something they all had in common.
Aimee then broke down in tears and discussed the incident on the bus with the other girls, before they all shared stories of sexual harassment and assault they had experienced.
Olivia recalled the time a stranger groped her breast at the train station and Viv cited that two-thirds of women experience unwanted sexual contact.
It is then that the women realise they may have their differences, but, bleakly, they have all faced forms of sexual harassment and assault at some point.
After an evening trip to the dump to smash things up and vent their anger, the other teenage girls met Aimee at her bus stop the next morning and they travelled together, which made for one of the series' most poignant scenes.
When all the girls helped Aimee get on the bus in Sex Education pic.twitter.com/uceIvadqKE
— Maria (@letsfackinavit)
Okay so that moment in season 2 where they all get on the bus with Aimee was super sweet. I teared up. Seeing them all come together to help her was such a wonderful thing. #SexEducation #SexEducationSeason2
— MNXE ⍟ (@Mnxeu)
When the girls unite to help Aimee get over her PTSD #SexEducation pic.twitter.com/PnqSEKd0tT
— walkingcontradiction🇯🇲 (@Bradley_Sam1)
That scene in Sex Education where all the girls come together to support Aimee, even though some of them aren't even really friends pic.twitter.com/q5a6ehvgRD
— Tha (@floatautumnleaf)
The second series of Sex Education has proven to be a huge hit with fans and critics.
It's also won praise for busting a number of sex myths, including the many mistruths often spread about chlamydia and what it means to be pansexual.
Sex Education seasons one and two are available to stream on Netflix now.
If you identify with the topics raised in this article, we encourage you to reach out to Rape Crisis. You can visit their website, www.rapecrisis.org.uk.
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