Eastenders' abuse storyline...

Max12 · #1 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 10:10 PM

What do people think about the storyline involving Tony's abuse of his 16 year old step-daughter Whitney? The BBC say they have heavily researched the subject and that what we see accurately reflects what may happen in a real life case. Some are of the view that it is necessary to include in the show as it may make more victims come forwards and also may help other family members see the signs easier if a relative is doing that to someone close to them. I think it is good to include it if it would have those positive effects. What do other people think about the BBC deciding to include this in the show?

Jamie · #2 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 10:45 PM

Eastenders has a history of including sensitive subjects. Normally the storylines are met with revulsion and outcry by three angry people in the Home Counties

I admit to knowing nothing about this particular storyline in real life, but if it helps or educates anybody about the issue then it would be a good thing. Whether or not it will I don't know. Making a subject less taboo can help in many cases. However if the story becomes self serving then it will have failed.

**Sooty** · #3 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 10:50 PM

Does anybody watch EastEnders anymore? I read viewing figures were falling hence the constant stream of Alumni being called back. Maybe the producers have adopted the shock and awe approach to getting their product back in headlines.

What worries me is that this sort of storyline repeated too often de-sensitizes the public so that the tune-out whenever they hear it in real life and that can't be good.

**Amy-Hols** · #4 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 10:54 PM

I don't watch it sorry.

Max12 · #5 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 11:29 PM

I dont think they've done this specific storyline before, and the guy who plays Tony is played very well by the actor. Tony has one expression all the time, he is very sinister and it has been revealved that he has been doing what he's been doing to Whitney since she was 12. He is so controlling an manipulating but what makes it bearable to watch is the knowledge that he is bound to get his commupance before long - every soap baddie always does.

**Amy-Hols** · #6 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 11:39 PM

Thats true!

Oh and welcome to the forum Max12!

Why not introduce yourself properly

Have fun

Max12 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 01:10 AM

Hi Amy. I will introduce myself properly, if I can figure out how! Lol!

**Amy-Hols** · #8 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 02:02 AM

Its easy, just start a thread in the new users forum

Selkie · #9 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 08:55 AM

I have found watching it uncomfortable to say the least, wanting to smash my telly up to get my mitts around tonys throat ..............grrrrrr...........abusers are good at putting on one face for one person and another for someone else, the mental side rings true I think, the way he controls her mentally though he would be adding more pressure to not be revealed, let's face it he would be going down for a long time and abusers want there secret kept at all cost, he would be making her feel like she seduced him and it was all of her fault, that she was dirty and everyone would hate her ect

not sure if it all rings true but for some maybe?

LIVERBIRD · #10 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 10:16 AM

I find Eastenders Crap lately... I still watch it.. The storylines are becoming naff! Bring back Nick Cotton!