Our Communication Lead Malcolm Struthers takes a look at how soaps play an important part in raising awareness around domestic abuse.
In recent weeks, Coronation Street has placed a same-sex relationship at the centre of a storyline about domestic abuse. The behaviour of Theo towards Todd has moved from emotional manipulation into something much more dangerous, with viewers left in no doubt that a line has been crossed.
For many people watching at home, this isn’t just drama—it’s a mirror to real-life experiences that are too often left unspoken. Seeing an abusive dynamic play out in a same-sex relationship on national television is powerful. It breaks the silence around an issue that is still under-recognised and sometimes dismissed within LGBTQ+ communities.
Representation matters, and this storyline has already sparked conversations well beyond the soap’s usual fan base.
This is not the first time UK soaps have pushed important social issues into the spotlight. EastEnders tackled coercive control through Chantelle’s storyline, a harrowing portrayal that ended in tragedy but helped raise awareness of this form of abuse. Years earlier, Coronation Street highlighted domestic violence through the stories of Tyrone and Kirsty, showing how abuse can happen to men as well as women. Emmerdale has also played its part in raising awareness, with memorable storylines such as Aaron’s historic abuse and more recently the coercive control faced by Belle. Hollyoaks, too, has explored both teenage relationship abuse and same-sex domestic abuse. The soaps usually work closely with charities to get the details right (whether they always do can be debated). These examples remind us how soaps can create national conversations and influence how people understand sensitive issues. So it is great to see LGBTQ+ domestic abuse being highighted.
While it’s true that soaps don’t command the audiences they once did, their reach is still significant. Millions of people tune in each week, and storylines are amplified online through social media, news coverage and viewer discussion. A single episode can spark debates in living rooms, workplaces and community spaces across the country. That cultural influence—combined with the emotional investment people have in long-running characters—means soaps remain a powerful way to shine a light on issues like domestic abuse.
One of the most important impacts of Corrie’s current storyline is visibility. Domestic abuse is often thought of in very narrow terms, but showing it within an LGBTQ+ relationship helps to challenge assumptions and remind people that abuse can happen to anyone. It also highlights the particular dynamics that can come into play: identity-based manipulation, the use of shame or threats to “out” someone, or drawing on past trauma to control a partner. These are realities that mainstream portrayals rarely touch, and the fact that millions of viewers are now seeing them represented is significant.
The storyline also opens up a conversation about accountability. Abuse doesn’t just stop on its own—it requires recognition, change, and often specialist support. That’s where projects like LEVEL step in. By offering behaviour-change work for those who cause harm, alongside support for partners, LEVEL takes a holistic approach. It acknowledges the complexity of LGBTQ+ relationships and provides a safe and inclusive space for real change to happen.
Coronation Street has a long tradition of shining a light on tough issues, and in doing so it helps to shift public understanding. Storylines like this remind us why visibility matters, why representation is vital, and why services like LEVEL are so needed. When people see their experiences reflected on screen, it can make it easier to name what’s happening in their own lives, to seek support, and to believe that change is possible.
Drama can start the conversation. Programmes like LEVEL help carry it forward—turning awareness into action, and representation into real-world support.
If you have been affected by issues raised in this blog, or want to find out more about support or referral into the programme, please contact LEVEL.