Shelley King is concerned for people trapped with domestic abusers during the coronavirus lockdown.
The ‘Coronation Street’ star – who has played Yasmeen Nazir on the cobbles since 2014 – is in the middle of a storyline with her character being controlled by husband Geoff Metcalfe (Ian Bartholomew), and she hopes the plot can encourage people to seek help.
She told Metro.co.uk: "I was really worried about news articles that domestic abuse cases are rising during the coronavirus lockdown.
"People are locked together – I don’t know quite how to approach that but the National Domestic Violence Helpline is 24-hour resource and can be called on 0808 2000 247.
"I’ve heard many stories since this story started – people have told me about relationships with their own partners, some of which they’re still in."
The 64-year-old actress believes Corrie’s ongoing storyline is doing the right thing by letting "people realise they’re not alone".
She said: "I think it is opening a conversation – we get a lot of messages from people. And there are various helplines which hopefully help people.
"Watching Yasmeen’s journey might help people realise they’re not alone, they’re not stupid for being trapped in this way – this person is trying to psychologically control and destroy them.
"The threat of violence can be just as destructive as the act of violence itself. When it’s there all the time – the potential for violence and you never know how much it’s going to escalate – can be just as frightening and destructive.
"That’s the problem with coercion – it only recently became against the law."
Shelley King voices concerns for domestic abuse victims during lockdown
