Worse than fiction

Talk of incest on EastEnders has prompted a rush of calls to the NSPCC

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What a week for the Slater household. Kat has confessed to Zoe that she is in fact her mum not her sister and that Zoe's dad is Uncle Harry, having abused Kat as a young girl. Last night the truth was revealed to the rest of the family. Now Charlie threatens to kill brother Harry, Kat takes an overdose of pills and booze, Lynne's wedding is off and Little Mo is distraught.

Thank goodness it's just fiction, you might think. But now a 60% surge in calls to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children suggests that hundreds of young people are suffering sexual abuse at the hands of their family or friends.

NSPCC bombarded with calls
NSPCC's child protection helpline has been bombarded since Kat Slater disclosed on Monday night's episode of the BBC soap that she was Zoe Slater's mother - not her sister.

The NSPCC, which advised the EastEnders scriptwriters on how to treat the issue, said it showed the importance of children having someone to turn to and to listen when they report sexual abuse.

Raising public awareness
Chief executive Mary Marsh said: "By covering the subject in such a direct, sensitive way, EastEnders is helping to raise public awareness and is adding to a wider atmosphere where people are more likely to report any issues relating to child protection.

"The NSPCC and other organisations such as ChildLine are well positioned to provide help, information and assistance to the many young people as well as adults who have experienced or are experiencing situations in real life that are similar to those experienced by Kat and Zoe Slater."
The NSPCC Child Protection Helpline is on 0808 800 5000 and lines are open 24 hours a day.