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Harrowing 'Corrie' Coercive Control Storyline Sparks Over 100 Ofcom Complaints

Harrowing 'Corrie' Coercive Control Storyline Sparks Over 100 Ofcom Complaints

The issue has been explored through Yasmeen and Geoff's storyline.

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara Sheppard

Coronation Street fans will have no doubt been consumed by the soap's ongoing coercive control storyline, explored through the characters of Geoff and Yasmin.

But while some viewers have found the plot to be necessary viewing, others have found it too upsetting, with Ofcom receiving over 100 complaints in relation to the storyline.

Geoff Metcalfe's abusive behaviour towards Yasmeen Nazin has seen a slow build up since the characters married last year, after the radio DJ (played by Ian Bartholomew) tricked Yasmeen (Shelley King) into marrying him. Since, viewers have watched the once vivacious Yasmeen become a shell of her former self.

Geoff has been abusing Yasmeen for months (
ITV)

However, the television watchdog has confirmed to Tyla that they have received 146 complaints from viewers who have found the storyline too distressing.

The latest in evil Geoff's controlling behaviour has seen him taking her bank cards off her, installing cameras in the home so he can keep an eye on her every move and cut her off from the rest of Weatherfield, convincing her - and the town's residents - that she's an alcoholic.

Yasmeen was cruelly locked in a box for hours (
ITV)

Ofcom received a record 74 complaints for one episode in particular in which Geoff locked Yasmeen in a box after her he callously blamed the failure of his magic trick (performed at baby Tianna's birthday party) on his assistant.

Chantal Hughes, CEO of domestic abuse charity, The Hampton Trust, told Tyla: "Geoff has manipulated Yasmeen to such an extent that she's lost her once bubbly personality.

"While watching the show you experience that horrible sinking feeling that something really bad is going to happen which is a fair portrayal of how coercive control has potential to escalate into physical abuse."

Many viewers have found the abuse storyline too jarring (
ITV)

Chantal adds: "Abuse can be difficult to spot at an early stage and it often escalates over time. Portrayals of domestic abuse on TV such as Deadwater Fell and Coronation Street are so valuable in illustrating the subtle nuances of coercive control and emotional abuse to a wider audience."

But while many are finding the difficult storyline hard to watch, many others are praising the soap tackling such an important issue.

The most recent figures from the Domestic Abuse in England and Wales report, ending in March 2019, saw coercive control offences rise to 17,616, up from 9,053 the year before, meaning the subject has never been more relevant.

But there might be light at the end of the tunnel for Yasmeen, as her granddaughter Alya Nazir (Sair Khan) creeps closer to exposing Geoff's abuse.

Could Alya expose Geoff's abuse? (
ITV)

Coronation Street continues tonight on ITV. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in Yasmeen and Geoff's story, ITV offer a helpful advice page.

Featured Image Credit: ITV

Topics: Entertainment, Coronation Street, TV Entertainment, Corrie