Emmerdale has been praised for its sensitive handling of the court storyline involving Rhona Goskirk.
Rhona brought Pierce Harris to court after he raped her on their wedding night, and in Tuesday night's episode she took to the stand to testify against him.
She faced gruelling and highly personal questioning by his defense lawyers, which left viewers feeling devastated.
The storyline has been hailed as important by viewers who are praising the ITV soap for raising awareness about the issue of consent.
Other commentators commended actress Zoe Henry for her portrayal of a sexual assault survivor, saying she is "playing a blinder" and that the storyline will "hopefully encourage more survivors to come forward".
Great scene with Rhona in the dock in #Emmerdale. "All that matters is I said NO!" #CONSENT
— Mike Jones (@M1keJone5) July 25, 2017
Rhona is being incredibly brave and strong #Emmerdale
— 🌸🌻🌼Shaky🎀👡💖 (@ShakyWoon) July 25, 2017
Rhona is so brave #Emmerdale
— We Love Emmerdale (@WeLoveEmmerdale) July 25, 2017
The actress who plays Rhona is playing a blinder - hopefully this storyline will encourage more survivors to come forward #emmerdale
— KatieAmakk (@katie_makk) July 25, 2017
Oh god if Rhona's storyline doesn't get justice I'm going to be crushed because this story is so brutal and real. #emmerdale
— Jessie Fries 击 (@curlyfrychicka) July 25, 2017
@ZoeHenry03's acting of the Rhona/Pierce storyline has been brilliant, even heartbreaking at times 😢 #Emmerdale
— Lauren (@Lolzporter) July 25, 2017
Very disturbed watching #emmerdale - using Rhona's sex life nearly as an excuse for Pearse to rape her 😠😠😠 no always means NO #emmerdale
— KatieAmakk (@katie_makk) July 25, 2017
It's no wonder people don't report being assaulted if that's the way they are treated by defence lawyers, disgusting. #Emmerdale
— Sue Kirwan (@JoshsMomm) July 25, 2017
Check out this week's biggest soap moments by clicking here.
Emmerdale continues tomorrow at 7pm on TV3.
If you have been affected by any of these issues please contact the Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 778 888 or the Samaritans on 116 123.
