Charity Dingle Returns to Support Group
Emotions are running high for Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) next week in Emmerdale as she discovers news from a loved one and makes progress after her sexual assault. The character recently disappeared from the village, causing concern for Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) and Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick). Unbeknownst to them, Charity had gone to a support group meeting to move forward after being attacked by Dr Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker).
When Charity returned home, she told Vanessa that she found it difficult to open up to the women because she was the only person who had been sexually assaulted by a female. Discussing her character's feelings, star Emma Atkins said: 'In that first initial meeting, she really struggled to know what to say, because her situation felt so different from a male/female situation.'
Charity Learns of Noah's Plans
Next week, Charity learns about Noah Dingle's (Jack Downham) plans to move to Dusseldorf. She is heartbroken, so Noah decides to stay for her. Charity then makes the brave decision to return to the support group. This time, she talks about what makes her experience different and explains her feelings of self-blame. The facilitator tries to make Charity see that her guilt and shame belong to the perpetrator.
Noting the scenes are 'brilliantly written', Emma said: 'The facilitator, played by Gloria [Adereti], was just brilliant. She brought something very unique to it. Very gentle, and a truthful approach. I think it helped Charity to open up when initially she wasn't prepared to do that.'
Charity's Journey and Legal Context
Reflecting on earlier scenes where Charity reported Dr Todd to the police, Emma called them 'extremely important'. 'She goes to the police and they are understanding, but what happened to her isn't classed as rape, so she feels extremely unlistened to and as though it lessens the gravity of it. There are so many people who have experienced this, and they don't feel like they get the justice they're seeking.'
The legal definition of rape in England and Wales requires penetration with a penis. What happened to Charity is legally defined as assault by penetration, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Emma noted: 'It's so underreported as well, because people feel that if it's not going to be classed as rape, there's no point.'
Future Face-Off with Dr Todd
Emma confirmed that Charity will come face to face with Dr Todd again. 'I think the audience is owed that because they've followed this journey. Caroline has been playing Todd so brilliantly. I think the audience needs to see that showdown.' She added: 'There's some kind of retribution and justice in its own way, and you'll see that moving forward. I think the audience will be pleased.'
Emma described a pivotal moment where Charity almost puts it to rest to Todd's face. 'She just finds peace, even though she knows maybe legally she won't get it. She finds some form of forgiveness towards Todd that she's reached within her own mind, her own capacity of forgiveness. That's a hard thing to do when you've been violated in that way.'
