Jane Cox: 'Anyone can be a rape victim'

Emmerdale actress Jane Cox has said that the current plot surrounding the aftermath of Lisa Dingle's rape is important to debunk the myths of sexual assault.

Recently, it was revealed that Lisa was raped by family friend Derek Benrose (Stephen Bent), and the following weeks have seen the Dingle family and Lisa's friends and colleagues deal with the fallout of the revelation.

Speaking to TV Times, Cox said that the plot uncovered many of the prejudices people held towards the type of women that are victims of sexual assault.

She explained: "People have preconceived ideas about what a rape victim looks like, but it's not about being young and beautiful - rape is all about power and control.

"Telly is often all glamour and airbrushing. People have said on internet forums, 'Who would want to rape Lisa Dingle?' but that's what has people interested. Anyone can be a rape victim.

"The majority of rapes are committed by men that women know and trust. That's why I think this storyline is so brilliant - it's got people thinking."

Cox also admitted that she was concerned about how co-star Bent would be treated in public following the harrowing storyline.

"I was worried about Steve. He's such a lovely man and a generous actor. I didn't want people to hound him, thinking he was like Derek. That hasn't happened, which I'm pleased about," she added.

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