Sudbury charity Hourglass helps highlight elder abuse by collaborating with BBC on EastEnders storyline

A landmark storyline on a major BBC drama, depicting abuse in later life, has been applauded by a Sudbury-based charity, for helping to highlight the issue.

Hourglass – the UK’s only charity solely dedicated to tackling abuse of older people – has reported a surge in calls to its 24/7 helpline since the airing of an hour-long special of EastEnders on BBC One on April 18.

The episode depicted the story of Yolande Trueman, played by Angela Wynter, who is sexually assaulted by Pastor Clayton, a man whom she had considered a close confidante and friend.

The storyline, which is continuing in subsequent episodes, was created with the help of Hourglass, to help ensure the subject was accurately depicted.

Richard Robinson, Hourglass chief executive, explained that the charity had previously worked with the BBC on current affairs shows and news items on elder abuse, and this collaboration was a natural progression.

“It was a fantastic natural step for us to be asked to work on the Yolande storyline, as we’re the only charity in the UK that is completely focused on elder abuse,” Mr Robinson told Suffolk News.

“Therefore, our role was around ensuring the storyline plays out as accurately as possible.

“I think there are a lot of misunderstandings around domestic abuse and perceived vulnerabilities of older people. We wanted to get rid of some myths, because some people don’t think abuse happens to older people.

“We wanted to ensure that EastEnders shaped the storyline in a way that was authentic, and truly represented the horror that older people face when dealing with abuse in this manner.

“We also wanted to highlight the role of our charity in dealing with these issues, because it’s important to underline that elderly people are not alone. Bringing this to as wide an audience as possible is important.

“Our helpline is seeing a significant increase in calls as a result, not just from friends and family, but also the victim-survivors themselves.

“It is making a difference, but, clearly, we’re nowhere near the end of the Yolande storyline. We can only presume calls will rise further.”

Research by Hourglass – based at the Stour Valley Business Centre – indicates that 35 per cent of people in England do not believe inappropriate or unwanted sexual comments or acts directed towards an older person is abuse.

However, deputy chief executive Veronica Gray suggests the EastEnders storyline could be a turning point in people coming forward.

“While the EastEnders storyline is fictional, rape and sexual assault of older people is very real,” she said.

“Too often, there are ageist assumptions that sexual abuse is something that only happens to younger people. As a result, when cases like Yolande’s come forward, too often, the victims are not believed.

“Huge thanks and credit to EastEnders and the BBC for bringing this subject matter to life and ensuring such victim voices are heard.”

To contact the free, confidential Hourglass helpline, call 0808 808 8141.

For more information about the charity, go online to www.wearehourglass.org.uk.