Next week, an upsetting new episode of Home and Away will premiere on UK television when Felicity Newman experiences a sexual assault while out on the town.
At a Battle of the Bands competition, Felicity is cheering on Lyrik when someone spikes her drink, knocking her out.
Following her regaining consciousness and realising that she has been sexually attacked, Felicity goes to the hospital where she is supported by her best friend Eden Fowler and the neighbourhood doctor Bree Cameron.
Jacqui Purvis, who portrays Felicity, recently spoke exclusively with Digital Spy about the plot.
How did you learn about this plot initially?
The show’s head writer, Lou, took me into her office and informed me that Flick would have a sexual assault plotline. I was astonished and utterly terrified at first, but she helped me through everything.
“I felt so honoured that they even considered me capable. Because this issue requires a lot more representation on television, I was quite grateful to have the opportunity to investigate it and spread awareness.
“Thank goodness I found out right before our vacation, giving me two weeks to prepare. I couldn’t have completed the assignment without that time, therefore it was quite helpful.
How did you get ready?
I did extensive research. I took numerous acting sessions with my acting coach to help me get in the appropriate frame of mind. I was well-prepared when I returned to begin shooting.
It’s horrible and sad, but I have friends who have experienced it, so I got to chat to them and get their advice on how they handled it.
One of my buddies had used the drug GHB, and he was able to describe the entire physical experience to me. One of my pals had experienced sexual assault, and she could explain everything to me.
I was able to leverage some real-life experience, which was quite helpful.
How does Felicity feel about this situation?
“Right after the assault, we see a victim who has just been through a horrific ordeal. There isn’t just one way to respond because trauma and sorrow are extremely personal experiences for each individual.
“Flick has a tendency to sexualise herself as a reaction. She doesn’t want to come out as “used” and “dirty.” She still wants to be sexual but doesn’t want Tane to think she is those things.
“The author identified a woman who had written an article about responding in that way, and that’s where the concept came from. The woman, who didn’t even understand why she was acting that way, was incredibly terrified and startled.
“They adapted that plot for Flick, and at first, that’s how she acts. Because it is such a profound denial, she wants to act as though it never happened. She merely acts as if it’s not real because she doesn’t want it to be.
Although Felicity and Tane may face difficulties in the future, will their marriage eventually stand the test of time?
They have a really lovely friendship together. One of the best aspects about this plot is how it emphasises the value of friendship and partnerships. Without help from people like Eden, Flick wouldn’t be able to get through this.
Since she was the victim of the assault, it is without a doubt harsher for Flick. Tane and her friends are still finding it difficult because they are unsure of how to handle the situation.
“I hope that those who have witnessed someone else’s anguish as a spouse or friend can watch it and say, ‘That’s how I felt. Like you, I had no idea what to do. It was good to demonstrate how difficult it is for everyone involved when someone is abused, not just the victim.
“The story does really help us to get another insight into Felicity and Tane’s beautiful relationship, show how strong it is, and show that they’re always there for one another.”
Felicity is hesitant to inform her brother Cash because he has frequently advised her not to leave her drink alone while having a good time. How did you feel about Home and Away exploring victim blaming in light of these scenes highlighting its risks?
It was a crucial subject to discuss because it’s a reality of life. Victim blaming is incredibly common and is still an issue today. I really wanted to be clear about that.
“It depends on the woman; the question is always, ‘What was she wearing?'” She most likely wore a sexy dress. Or you can say, “Oh, she was probably inebriated, so she was asking for it.”
“Flick is thinking about those things right now. Well, Cash told me, she muses. Always be careful with your alcohol, he advised. But why is this happening when it shouldn’t always be an issue of having to control your drink?
“As a woman, you are aware of this, but you still feel such guilt and believe, ‘It was me. I was to blame. Additionally, you are aware that others will be expressing those thoughts to you.
How does Flick feel about that?
“Flick determines she can’t handle being judged by others, so she initially hesitates to inform Cash.
“As a result, women frequently avoid calling the police. Only a small portion of all rape cases that are reported to the police result in an arrest. Flick is aware of the slim chances. What’s the point, she asks herself. I won’t go through it, I said.
It should never be about what a lady is wearing or drinking, I wanted to make that clear. Additionally, women shouldn’t be expected to enrol in self-defense classes. Why is it necessary for a woman to attend a self-defense class? That is really absurd.
“It involves educating individuals about sex and consent. It was beneficial to look into those difficulties because we shouldn’t constantly bear the burden.
Do they discuss those low conviction rates on the show?
It wasn’t one of the topics the authors tackled in this plot, though. In the end, we investigate restorative justice. The plot is moving in that direction, and Felicity meets the offender there.
“We don’t really discuss the fact that the conviction rate is so low. I suppose it’s sad that we can’t cover everything in a single episode of Home and Away given how crucial the topic is.
“I just hope that this raises awareness, begins the dialogue at the dinner table, and maybe leads to people doing their own independent research. I hope people are aware of what a low rate it is.
You indicated in a different interview that the strain of this plot affected your real-life relationships. Was your cast mates’ and Home and Away’s support significant?
“I believed I would be okay. I anticipated being completely at ease because, as an actress, I frequently switch between moods.
I was surprised to find that it did affect me because having to adopt that mindset each day is demanding. I wasn’t tapping in and out of it very safely since I would simply leave work, go home, and assume that everything was OK while oblivious to the reality that I had just spent hours sobbing over these painful thoughts.
“I did ask for assistance and mentioned that I wanted to speak with a professional who could handle this, such as a chemical coordinator. I did it, and it was very beneficial.
I frequently spoke with Steph Panozzo, who plays Eden, while I was on set. She is the most talented actress I’ve ever worked with, and I admire her.
“Juliet Godwin, who portrays Bree, and I are really friends. She was fantastic. She was my pillar. She also just knew what it takes because she had already experienced the domestic violence tale. It was helpful to have that connection because she struggled with that one as well. Juliet was a great support to me; she was always in touch and absolutely stunning.
It was incredibly crucial. The pace of Home and Away is really swift. We all lose sight of how intense it is to go through a lengthy plot like this. Therefore, all we need to do is make sure we are always checking in on one another. I was extremely lucky to have those individuals there to support me.
Australia has already broadcast this plot. How would you characterise the response?
“I was really anxious, but the response was incredibly sweet. I simply felt honoured and appreciative.
“People have approached me and shared their stories with me. That’s so depressing but also quite beautiful because I thought that if someone had experienced anything as terrible as this, I had accurately captured it on camera.
“To have people approach me and express their gratitude for it was just a dream — it was all I wanted. Despite how awful it is, it was actually good to get that response and have people share their experiences with me because the subject matter is so delicate. The response genuinely startled me, and I am glad.
