She wants to get justice, whether that's through the courts or not…"
Prior to attending the group, Charity faces additional emotional strain when her son, Noah Dingle, played by Jack Downham, announces plans to move to Dusseldorf, Germany, before opting to stay in the village to support his mother.
Legal Definitions Impact Charity's Reporting
Atkins detailed how legal definitions impacted Charity's attempts to report the crime to law enforcement authorities.
"In that first initial meeting, she really struggled to know what to say, because her situation felt so different from a male/female situation," Atkins said.
"After she realised that what happened to her isn't recognised as rape, it's assault with penetration, I think Charity just felt so lost in it all and lonely."
Under current law in England and Wales, rape charges strictly require penetration with a penis, while non-consensual penetration using other body parts or objects is legally classified as assault by penetration.
Atkins highlighted the importance of portraying the sensitive subject accurately, praising co-star Gloria Adereti for her performance as the group facilitator.
"The facilitator, played by Gloria, 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," Atkins said.
"I think that's why she goes back a second time.
She kept so much to herself, but in this second meeting, that's when she finally decides she feels braver, through a lot of different things that happen.
