Emmerdale star Jonathan Wrather has discussed the impact of Rhona Goskirk's harrowing rape story, saying it's encouraged other survivors to start talking about their ordeal.
The actor's villainous character Pierce is currently standing trial for assaulting his estranged wife Rhona on their wedding day earlier this year.
Pierce's fate will be revealed when the trial concludes in tonight's episode, but regardless of whether he is found guilty, Jonathan explains that the story has had a very important impact.
Speaking to The Mirror, he said: "We had one woman who wrote in and said that having seen this story she was then able to confess to her own mother – four years after she had divorced her own husband – that she also had been in this kind of relationship and had been raped repeatedly.
"So it encourages people not only to write in, but to start talking to friends and family about their own experiences, which is extraordinary and extremely humbling."
Discussing the importance of tackling the issue sensitively, Jonathan added: "It has been quite harrowing, because of some of the research we have done, some of the groups we have worked with. The facts, figures and statistics are eye-opening.
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"There is this kind of sense that rape happens outside of the home, it is predatory males attacking women after dark, but it happens so much closer to home in seemingly stable relationships. This coerciveness is far more sinister than you would think.
"We are not on any sort of crusade. But we have a responsibility to our audience and to people who have experienced this kind of relationship and this kind of event. So we have to get it right and make it as truthful as possible."
Emmerdale continues at 7pm tonight (July 28) 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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