Home and Away star praised for 'important' role: 'So proud'

Home and Away stars have rallied around one of their newest cast members for tackling a difficult but ‘important’ topic.

Juliet Godwin plays Bree Cameron, a character who has been trapped in an abusive marriage with Jacob Cameron for some time.

The newcomer shared her thoughts on Instagram about why the ‘dark’ storyline needed to be told.

“I’m grateful to be part of a team that has worked hard to tell an important and powerful story. Violence against women is never okay,” she wrote, alongside a photo of her character.

“My hope is that this storyline will shine [a] light on a very dark situation that unfortunately is still alarmingly common and prevalent behind closed doors. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Juliet also urged domestic violence victims to call 1800RESPECT, adding that ‘help is available’.

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Her fellow cast members were quick to show their support, with Kirsty Marillier (Rose Delaney) commenting: “You did such a brilliant job on this storyline jubie xxx”.

“So proud,” added Jacqui Purvis (Felicity Newman), while Luke Van Os (Xander Delaney) said “Well done joobie”.

Matt Evans (Theo Poulos) chimed in with his support, and Nicholas Cartwright (Cash Newman) added that Juliet had done ‘great work’.

An array of other stars also liked Juliet’s post, including Sophie Dillman (Ziggy Astoni), Georgie Parker (Roo Stewart), Ethan Browne (Tane Parata) and Patrick O’Connor (Dean Thompson).

Home and Away's producer on 'harrowing' storyline

This comes after series script executive Louise Bowes explained why the writers had decided to tell this particular story.

“It’s vitally important that we not only entertain our audience but when appropriate, tell stories that shine a light on societal issues,” she told us. “Mental health, addiction [and] technology-facilitated abuse just to name a few.

“We are in a unique position of reaching over a million audience members every night — and that’s just in Australia — so it’s our hope that we can start conversations in those living rooms.”

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Sadly, the rate of intimate partner violence suffered by Australian women is high. In 2016, the Personal Safety Survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that one in four Australian women have experienced intimate partner violence since age 15.

The script executive added that intimate partner violence and abuse is an ‘unfortunate reality’ in our society.

“For us, it’s all about using our characters to let those women know they’re not alone, and that help is available,” she said.

If you or someone you know is suffering from sexual or domestic abuse, don't suffer in silence, call 1800 RESPECT any time of day or night.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

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