A POPULAR TV show will use its third and final season to explore the topic of sexual violence and its aftermath. 

Essex charities have praised the programme - Broadchurch - which will return to our screens tomorrow night for its final season. 

The reaction follows the news that Broadchurch writers, producers and actors consulted closely with sexual violence services to develop the storyline and to ensure as accurate a depiction as possible.

A spokesperson for the Essex Rape Crisis Partnership said: “We are pleased that Broadchurch has made an effort to approach this content responsibly and to present a realistic depiction of rape, highlighting the huge emotional impact it can cause, as well as the complex criminal justice process that victims may have to face. 

"We are sure the programme will resonate with many of the individuals that the Partnership supports. 

"Programmes like Broadchurch can play an important role in increasing understanding of sexual violence and in challenging the myths and misconceptions that exist around it.”

Since April 2016, the Essex Rape Crisis Partnership has supported 2,447 individuals and provided 12,684 face to face support sessions. 

The show will be aired from tomorrow night at 9pm on ITV.