BBC EastEnders heartbreak as Yolande Trueman sexually assaulted by Pastor Clayton

Yolande Trueman will be sexually assaulted in tragic scenes on EastEnders next week.

Pastor Clayton has been getting closer to Yolande, who considers him to be a good friend and confidante. However, in heartbreaking scenes next week, the Pastor will target Yolande and sexually assault her.

Viewers of the BBC soap will see Yolande struggle following the assault, as she thought she could trust the Pastor, and fans of the show will also see how it affects not only her and her life, but also her relationship with Patrick.

The scenes will air in an hour long episode on Wednesday April 17th, and will include flashback accounts of a number of women who have been sexually assaulted by Pastor Clayton, and it is clear this is not his first offence.

Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer of EastEnders, said: “This is an important story that we hope will raise awareness of how women at any age can been groomed by someone in a position of power. It was vital for us to work alongside End Violence Against Women Coalition and Hourglass to truthfully present and sensitively portray Yolande’s sexual assault storyline.”

EastEnders are working alongside End Violence Against Women Coalition and Hourglass on the new storyline.

Andrea Simon, Director of End Violence Against Women Coalition, said of Yolande’s story: “We’re proud to work with EastEnders on this important storyline. Sexual assault happens to women of all ages and backgrounds, but many find they aren’t believed or taken seriously. Older women, black women and others who are marginalised are at the sharp end of this, with huge consequences for their access to justice and support. TV shows can play a huge role in shifting attitudes across society.

“We hope this storyline helps dispel myths and stereotypes about what victims and survivors look like and how perpetrators behave, and ultimately increases understanding of sexual assault.”

Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy at Hourglass, added: “This is a landmark moment for all older victims of abuse in the UK and beyond. EastEnders, shaping a storyline around the too-often hidden nightmare of sexual abuse of older people, finally brings this issue out of the shadows and into public consciousness. We hope this will start an important conversation in many households across the UK. Hourglass is delighted to work with EastEnders on this storyline to provide advice, and we were impressed by how engaged the scriptwriting team were and how keen they were to be authentic and respectful. Abuse of older people comes in many forms, and Hourglass urges anyone affected to make contact with us.”

*If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999