EastEnders has announced "a child-to-parent abuse storyline that will see Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) abuse his mum, Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), later this summer".
"Today (Tuesday 23rd July), having struggled with Tommy's hostile behaviour in recent months, viewers saw Kat find herself on the receiving end of Tommy's anger after his attempts to play matchmaker between her and Walford hardman, Phil Mitchell, fell flat," said the BBC soap.
Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders Executive Producer, continued: "Kat is well-known in Albert Square for her no-nonsense attitude and fiery temper, but this storyline will explore how Tommy manipulates Kat's unequivocal love for her son to exert his anger and elicit control.
"Jessie [Wallace] and Sonny's [Kendall] performances have thoughtfully portrayed the complex realities of child-to-parent abuse with compassion and understanding, and the storyline will demonstrate how Tommy's behaviour affects their relationship and the wider Slater-Moon family as a whole."
EastEnders said it is "working closely" with the UK organisations Family Based Solutions and Parental Education Growth Support (PEGS) and experts in the field "to ensure the child-to-parent abuse storyline is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible".
It has also consulted the UK's National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) "on wider aspects of the storyline".
Jason Phasouliotis, Secondary Age Lead Practitioner at the UK's Family Based Solutions, said: "We're proud to be working alongside EastEnders on this storyline to bring to light a critical and often overlooked issue: child-to-parent abuse (CPA).
"Throughout our time working together, EastEnders has shown a deep commitment to portray this sensitive topic with the seriousness it deserves, and we hope this storyline will resonate with families experiencing CPA to encourage them to reach out for support."
Michelle John, Director of the UK's Parental Education Growth Support (PEGS), added: "This storyline is a critical turning point for those experiencing child-to-parent abuse.
"By EastEnders showing the reality of child-to-parent abuse (CPA), not only will it shine a light on CPA, but we hope it will encourage important discussions and raise awareness of the situations parental figures are facing across the UK and further afield.
"PEGS was privileged to work alongside EastEnders and provide insight, guidance and support for the team.
"It was clear from our first conversation that the scriptwriters wanted to ensure the storyline came across in a way that was real but with respect and compassion for those who have or who are experiencing this form of abuse.
"We hope that will encourage parents, carers or guardians to come forward and seek support."
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 at 7:30pm.
