Hollyoaks spoilers follow for Tuesday's episode (January 7), which is available to watch now on streaming service Channel 4 and hasn’t yet aired on TV.
Note: This article contains detailed discussion of topics including rape and domestic abuse.
Hollyoaks has aired a worrying update about Abe Fielding in the show's latest episode, following his attack on Peri Lomax.
This week, Peri realised that Cleo McQueen might never have been in Bali, but when she confronted Abe about her suspicions, he turned violent and hit her.
Peri drank heavily and passed out in her bedroom, and in harrowing scenes, Abe took the opportunity to sexually assault her while she was unconscious.
Related: Best streaming services
What to Read Next
In today's episode, Peri woke up later that same evening and realised that something was seriously wrong when she found her jeans were on the other side of the room.
She went to speak to Abe while he was playing video games, but he brushed aside her concerns and asked her to get him some beers from Price Slice.
Peri went to the shop in a daze, and after listening to a voice note from Abe, she instead decided to head to see the Lomaxes.
Leela eventually recognised that something was wrong, and Peri told everyone that Abe had hit her and then raped her while she was unconscious.
Related: Hollyoaks confirms popular romantic reunion in Dodger return story
With Leela's support, Peri found the courage to report Abe to the police and recalled the events of that evening.
When Peri said that Abe had asked her to get him some beers "like a good girl", Leela remembered hearing the same phrase when she was raped last year and realised that Abe might also be the culprit.
As Peri prepared for a forensic examination, Leela apologised for not being able to protect her, while having kept her own sexual assault to herself.
Related: Hollyoaks' Dilly to go missing after huge murder revelation
The next morning, Abe was arrested on suspicion of rape, to the shock of his mum Marie. At the station, he protested that his wife was lying, but DI Banks didn't seem convinced.
However, Peri later got the news that Abe had been released pending further investigation as he had changed his story. Peri was devastated and wondered how he would ever face justice.
But meanwhile, in the hospital, Cleo suddenly woke up from her coma. Will she be able to help bring Abe down?
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its 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.
Organisations including Refuge and Women's Aid can also provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247.
The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
