5 times the soaps tackled domestic violence – and why Emmerdale’s Tom and Belle is different

Tom King’s control over new wife Belle in Emmerdale is stepping up and becoming increasingly sinister. Tom’s already turned down a job offer from Take A Vow on Belle’s behalf, ruined her first day in the role by pretending to be badly injured, and sabotaged the first wedding she was supposed to be planning.

We’ve seen him play mind games and gaslight Belle and generally be pretty sinister. It’s not an easy watch.

Tom’s controlling behaviour towards Belle isn’t the first domestic abuse story to be told in soaps, but it’s a bit different from the others. Here’s a reminder of what else has gone in in Emmerdale, EastEnders and Coronation Street, and why Belle’s ordeal isn’t the same.

Little Mo and Trevor in EastEnders

The Slaters arrived in Albert Square back in 2000, shortly followed by Mo’–

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