EastEnders has announced a new storyline that will see Yolande Trueman (played by Angela Wynter) sexually assaulted by Pastor Gideon Clayton (played by Howard Saddler), "her close friend and confidant".
An hour-long episode with Yolande at its centre will air on RTÉ One and BBC One next week.
"As the storyline progresses, Yolande will struggle to come to terms with the assault from a man whom she believed she could trust as it impacts all aspects of her life, including her relationship with Patrick," the BBC soap said.
"The scenes will air in an hour-long episode on Wednesday 17th April and will also include flashback accounts of women who have previously been sexually assaulted by Pastor Clayton as it becomes clear that this is not his first offence."
EastEnders said it had worked with experts from the UK charities End Violence Against Women Coalition and Hourglass, which focuses on issues relating to the abuse of older people, "to ensure this story is portrayed as accurately and sensitively as possible".
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer of EastEnders, said: "This is an important story that we hope will raise awareness of how women at any age can be groomed by someone in a position of power.
"It was vital for us to work alongside End Violence Against Women Coalition and Hourglass to truthfully present and sensitively portray Yolande's sexual assault storyline."
Andrea Simon, Director of End Violence Against Women Coalition, said: "We're proud to work with EastEnders on this important storyline.
"Sexual assault happens to women of all ages and backgrounds, but many find they aren't believed or taken seriously.
"Older women, black women, and others who are marginalised are at the sharp end of this, with huge consequences for their access to justice and support.
"TV shows can play a huge role in shifting attitudes across society. We hope this storyline helps dispel myths and stereotypes about what victims and survivors look like and how perpetrators behave, and ultimately increases understanding of sexual assault."
Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy at Hourglass, said: "This is a landmark moment for all older victims of abuse in the UK and beyond.
"EastEnders, shaping a storyline around the too-often hidden nightmare of sexual abuse of older people, finally brings this issue out of the shadows and into public consciousness."
Gray added that Hourglass hopes the storyline "will start an important conversation in many households".
If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, please visit: www.rte.ie/helplines.
EastEnders airs on RTÉ One and BBC One Monday to Thursday.
