Coronation Street actors have launched a video campaign urging victims of domestic abuse to contact police using the 'silent solution' – dialling 999 and pressing 55. The initiative, released in partnership with Women's Aid, features Shelley King, Sair Khan, Sally Dynevor, Sally Carman, and former star Julie Hesmondhalgh.
The campaign comes as charities report a surge in domestic violence helpline calls during the UK lockdown. The video advises those at risk to keep a mobile phone on them at all times and use the silent call method if they fear an abuser may overhear them.
In the home-recorded videos, the cast said: 'The world is going through a really difficult time right now and many of us are isolating at home. For anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse, it is no doubt terrifying to be isolated with an abuser.'
The campaign follows a recent Coronation Street storyline in which Geoff Metcalfe exerted coercive control over Yasmeen Nazir, highlighting non-physical abuse. The soap consulted Women's Aid to educate viewers on the 'invisible prison' created by controlling partners.
