SOAP SHINES LIGHT ON MALE DOMESTIC ABUSE
DOMESTIC abuse campaigners have been working alongside Welsh language soap Pobol y Cwm on its latest dark storyline. Viewers of the cult drama have been following the volatile relationship between characters Ed and Sioned in recent weeks.
Events in the show came to a head this week when Sioned’s character spat in Ed’s face during an argument.
It was the first time any physical abuse has occurred in the couple’s storyline so far, but the plot will develop over the next month as their relationship deteriorates.
Soap bosses have been working closely with Safer Wales, a charity which provides support and advice to those experiencing both psychological and physical abuse in their lives.
The Safer Wales team have been advising producers and actors at BBC Cymru Wales on the storyline, to ensure Ed’s experiences at the hands of Sioned is portrayed realistically.
They drew from knowledge gained during their work with real domestic abuse victims.
Barbara Natasegara, CEO of Safer Wales said: “Raising awareness of domestic abuse suffered by men is extremely important, and we are delighted to be working with Pobol y Cwm to do this.
“As we have seen through Ed and Sioned’s story, forms of domestic abuse can present themselves in many different ways, both physical and emotional.
“It is something that can affect anyone and everyone, in all walks of life.
“We are used to hearing stories of physical and emotional control from a man over a woman, but the reality is that this is something that can happen to anyone of any gender.”
Pobol y Cwm is the BBC’s longestrunning soap, having been made by the corporation since 1974.
It is Welsh language channel S4C’s most-watched programme and follows the lives of villagers in the fictional hamlet of Cwmderi. Llyr Morus, series producer of Pobol y Cwm, said: “Last year actor Dyfan Rees’ portrayal of his character lolo White’s struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder was recognised with a Mind Media award. This storyline highlights the issue of male domestic abuse and we have a responsibility to ensure the programme reflects these situations as accurately as possible. Working with expert organisations such as Safer Wales is key. I’d like to thank Safer Wales for their co-operation and advice; it has been invaluable.”
Safer Wales offers a number of different services to those experiencing abuse in Wales.
The charity’s Dyn Project specifi- cally provides support for heterosexual, gay, bisexual and transgender men experiencing domestic abuse.
If you’re concerned about domestic abuse contact Safer Wales, Dyn Helpline 0808 801 0321.
Pobol y Cym is broadcast at 8pm on S4C on weekday nights.