Victim’s TV tips help in rape plots
A RAPE victim who consulted on the harrowing plot for the final series of Broadchurch has spoken of how she hopes it will encourage others to come forward.
She also said the show would help shatter the myth that rape victims are young, boozed-up women.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, shared her story with Broadchurch writer Chris Chibnall and executive producer Sam Hoyle. She also spent time on set in Dorset with cast including Julie Hesmondhalgh, Olivia Colman and David Tennant.
In the first episode, farm worker Trisha Winterman (Hesmondhalgh) reports a brutal sex attack.
The consultant, who was abused by her partner for years, said: “I know there will be rape victims watching and I hope they come forward. There’s a stereotype of a rape victim – a young girl in a short skirt, getting drunk and basically ‘asking for it’.
“I was in my 30s and my attacker wasn’t a stranger who pulled me behind a bus stop. Broadchurch is showing anyone can go through this.”
The woman also spoke of how Hesmondhalgh was full of emotion as she played Trisha. She said: “I met Julie on set and she hugged me and said, ‘Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you like my portrayal.’
“That was an amazing thing. And watching her in filming, her emotion was clear.
“I met with David and Olivia and they thanked me too. But I thank the show for raising awareness. I am lucky in that my partner was sentenced. But the memories will stay with me for ever.”
Broadchurch is expected to attract more than seven million viewers on ITV tomorrow night.