Corrie rape storyline sparks rise in calls to Rape Crisis

After Carla Connor's rape last week on Coronation Street, helpline Rape Crisis experienced an 800% spike in the number of calls from rape survivors, forcing the charity to lay on extra volunteers to deal with the high demand.

Rape Crisis Helpline Coordinator Rosa Knight praised Corrie bosses for their efforts in bringing the storyline together.

'Though other programs have run similar storylines, the response for the Coronation Street storyline has been like nothing we've experienced before,' she said. 'It is so important for mainstream shows to tackle these important issues in a well-researched way and it appears the program makers worked hard to do just that. That we have had such a huge increase in calls demonstrates that woman who have survived rape do need care and support - but they are not always aware of how to get it. '

Rape Crisis website is here.