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Old and new Coronation Street stars unite for domestic abuse appeal

Stars urge victims to use silent 999 option

A new PSA video shows Coronation Street stars of past and present unite for an extremely important cause – those dealing with domestic abuse.

Multiple Corrie stars feature in a new video urging victims of domestic abuse to reach out for help.

Read more: Corrie’s Simon Gregson suffers family bereavement

In conjunction with Women’s Aid, female Corrie stars encourage victims to use a ‘silent option’.

Shelley King, Sair Khan, Sally Dynevor, Sally Carman and former Corrie star Julie Hesmondhalgh appear.

Shelley King Coronation Street
Shelley King appears (Image credit: ITV/Women’s Aid)

Filmed during lockdown, each star explains how there are options available for domestic abuse victims.

The ‘Silent Option’

They explain that 999 callers are able to seek help without being in fear of someone else hearing them.

It is no doubt terrifying

All a user has to do is dial 999, followed by 55 to alert the police that they need assistance.

Read more: Eagle eyed viewers spot Corrie star on Vera

Sair says: “The world is going through a really difficult time right now and many of us are isolating at home.

Sally continues: “For anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse, it is no doubt terrifying to be isolated with an abuser.

Julie Hesmondhalgh
Julie Hesmondhalgh returns for the important PSA (Image credit: ITV/Women’s Aid)

Shelley says: “If you are in a situation where you are being abused, or you fear that you may be abused, there are measures in place that can help protect you.”

They then explain the ‘silent option’ and also that email and online messaging services are available.

The campaign comes in the wake of the shocking storyline between Yasmeen and Geoff on Coronation Street.

A very timely issue

Geoff is an abusive partner who has gained coercive control over Yasmeen without ever resorting to violence.

Read more: Corrie story producer assures viewers it will return greater than ever

The storyline has received praise by viewers and domestic abuse charities alike. It demonstrates that abuse isn’t always physical.

Meanwhile, there has been an increased spark in domestic violence reports since the coronavirus lockdown.

Corrie Cast Messages For Women's Aid | Coronation Street

The Guardian reported this week that Respect, a domestic abuse helpline, has seen a 25 per cent increase in calls.

And its website has seen an increase of 125 per cent in user traffic.

Whereas Refuge, the UK’s largest domestic abuse organisation, reports a 120% increase in calls to its helpline.

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