Coronation Street uses purple to highlight domestic abuse issues
Coronation Street used the colour purple to raise awareness of domestic abuse throughout Wednesday's (15.04.26) episode.
Coronation Street used the colour purple to raise awareness of domestic abuse in Wednesday's (15.04.26) episode.
The special episode saw Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) open up to police about the physical and emotional abuse he had suffered at the hands of partner Theo Silverton (James Cartwright), and soap bosses were keen to have a visual reminder of just how many people are affected by the issue.
Gareth explained: "So many domestic abuse survivors have shared their experiences with us throughout this storyline, and weaving those voices into this episode, through the use of colour, felt like a powerful reminder of how widespread stories like Todd’s are.
"The moment where Todd first locks eyes with another survivor in the police station was particularly raw and cathartic to film. It’s been a tough watch at times, and I think the story team approached this episode with both care and innovation."
Todd himself donned the hue - which represents peace, courage, survival, and dedication to ending abuse – in the episode, which producer Kate Brooks acknowledged is "harrowing" to watch but ultimately think offers hope.
She said: “We wanted this episode to illustrate that Todd is unfortunately one of many; his story, whilst harrowing, sadly reflects the lives of so many other people who are entrenched in abusive relationships.
“As powerful and unflinching as this episode is, it also offers a glimpse into how there can be hope in the darkest of times, and that there is support out there to guide and help people rebuild their lives.
“Ultimately this is a story about surviving – and people gaining strength and support from others who’ve been through similar situations.”
Coronation Street writers have consulted with LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity Galop and local domestic abuse organisation Manchester Women's Aid to ensure the story was told sensitively and accurately.
Ben Kernighan, co-chief executive of Galop, said: “For LGBT+ people, there’s often an added fear that services won’t take their experiences seriously or that they will have to explain, defend, or justify parts of their identity or relationship.”
Claire Harris, strategic lead of Manchester Women's Aid added: “This storyline with Todd has really highlighted the coercive nature of domestic abuse, the impacts it can have in all areas of someone’s life and the barriers and challenges they can face to safely leaving.
“No-one should ever have to face this alone and support is out there.”
