Hollyoaks explores sibling sexual abuse in the story of Frankie and JJ

The following article contains references to sexual abuse.

Hollyoaks Spoilers follow.

Hollyoaks will explore sibling sexual abuse with Frankie Osborne and his brother JJ.

Viewers have seen Frankie struggle since she was recently reunited with her long-lost father Darren Osborne as she accused grandfather Jack of touching her inappropriately.

Jack has strenuously denied doing anything inappropriate with his granddaughter, but has moved out of the family home to give Frankie the space she needs.

At the same time, Jack becomes closer to his grandson JJ and will be seen in new scenes buying him a golden pair of football boots.

Next week it will be revealed that it was actually JJ who sexually abused his sister when they were younger. Frankie had repressed these memories, but has now begun to remember.

The plot deals with the family dynamic between Osborne and Ashworth, where JJ was always treated like a “golden boy” while Frankie was the “problem child”.

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Hollyoaks producers are working with advocacy group SARSAS to shine a spotlight on the issue of sibling sexual abuse, which has traditionally been under-reported.

A Hollyoaks spokesperson said: “It remains a hidden, chronically under-appreciated and untreated form of child sexual abuse.” It continues to be ignored, downplayed or denied by parents, professionals and authorities as harmless or non-threatening childhood sexual experiments that no one can need attention.

“This is despite the known lifelong impact of sexual violence and abuse on the health and happiness of survivors.”

The Hollyoaks team had access to the findings of the largest government-funded research report into sibling sexual abuse, which was recently completed after a two-year process.

Producers worked with SARSAS to ensure the issue was realistically portrayed, while the actors involved were also informed of the new research.

Hollyoaks producer Hannah Cheers has expressed her hope that this story will shine a spotlight on an issue that “deserves urgent attention and recognition”.

“It is one of the least disclosed forms of sexual abuse, yet the statistics are shocking,” the producer said. “Hollyoaks explores this topic for the first time in a long-term soap storyline because we need to start this conversation with our cross-generational audience.

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“Our research, story, script and writing teams are committed to telling this story truthfully and passionately. A big thank you goes to SARSAS for their unwavering support in accomplishing this task. The performances from our brilliant newcomers Isabelle Smith and Ryan Mulvey are…” breathtaking.

“I believe this story will have an impact for many years to come and I’m proud that Hollyoaks continues to break new ground almost four decades later. That’s what we’re here for.”

Claire Bloor from SARSAS praised Hollyoaks’ approach to tackling such challenging topics.

“Continuous dramas like Hollyoaks have the potential to reach huge audiences and change the national conversation,” Bloor said. “This story is an opportunity to shine a light on the under-researched and under-discussed topic of sibling sexual abuse. We hope it raises awareness of both the prevalence of this problem and the devastating impact it can have on those affected.” It.

“By sharing Frankie’s story, we can take a step toward eliminating the shame and stigma so often associated with sexual abuse, and the taboo against talking about it that allows it to thrive in silence.”

Hollyoaks Streams online first Channel 4 every weekday at 7:30 p.m. The episodes will then air on E4 the next day before premiering on YouTube a week later.

Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.

Read more Hollyoaks Spoilers on our special homepage

If you are affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access further information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct your website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape crisis in Scotland The hotline number is 08088 01 03 02. You can also get information at SARSAS.

Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.

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