Five members from S I Manchester attended the annual debate organised by St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – “Portrayal of Sexual Violence in Drama – a Force for Good or a Vehicle for Harm”. Speakers included Dr Catherine White and Rachel Coppock from the centre and Noreen Kershaw, Coronation Street director.
A lively discussion followed the formal presentations which addressed the important topic of sexual assault, mainly with reference to women and the need to communicate sensitively in addressing the issue. Appropriate delivery of after care and support was also discussed and all those present agreed on the importance of keeping the issue alive in drama programmes but without sensationalising it.
Programmes such as Coronation Street can play a vital role in increasing awareness of the issue and the consequences of such abusive and violating behaviour. It is important, however, to ensure that it is not just about women as victims but also as brave survivors, and of mainly male perpetrators’ actions.
During the question and answer session one of the Manchester Soroptimists, Malgorzata Kmita, shared her experience of working with traumatised women and the lasting consequence of sexual violence and abuse. She emphasised the importance of compassionate support to women which may include therapeutic, practical and spiritual dimensions of post-trauma management.
All representatives of S I Manchester very much appreciated the invitation and the opportunity to voice wider concerns.
Malgorzata Kmita