EastEnders reveals harrowing child abuse secret – and it’s been happening for months
The upsetting storyline has seen one family pushed to the brink now the truth is revealed
EASTENDERS has revealed a harrowing child abuse storyline that’s been happening for months without anyone noticing.
The BBC soap has shown troubled teenager Tommy Moon lashing out at mum Kat Slater for months now but tonight things took a darker twist.
Earlier this week his violent actions put Freddie Slater in hospital with serious burns.
With the realisation that Tommy’s abuse was getting worse – and he could get even worse – Kat became defensive.
As the Slaters tried to get through to her that Tommy needed professional help, she demanded they all keep quiet.
“Underneath he’s just a hurt, scared little boy,” she said.
“He needs patience, love and understanding.”
But things soon took a darker twist when Jean arrived to try and talk to Tommy and caught him hurting Ernie.
When Alfie and Jean looked, Ernie was covered in bruises and it was too much for Jean.
Ignoring Kat’s demands, Jean made a tough decision and called social services to report Tommy’s abuse – determined to protect his younger brothers as well as Kat from him.
She told Harvey: “Their little bodies, covered in bruises, all shapes and colours.
“They’re terrified and I don’t blame them, Tommy’s been threatening them with all sorts.
“I really thought Tommy was going to thump Alfie earlier. Kat’s got her head buried so deep she’s taken root.
“She’s scared. No-one wants to admit their own child is out of control. What if one of the boys ends up in hospital or even worse?
“I am worried sick Harvey and I can’t sit by and just watch.”
And despite Harvey telling her she couldn’t do anything, Jean took action and called social services herself, reporting Tommy’s abuse.
But how will Kat cope with Tommy exposed and will she turn on Jean after she finds out what she’s done?