I recently watched a compelling documentary called, "Stories of Silence"... Recovering from Boyhood Sexual Abuse." by Director Ethan Delevan. It is available on Amazon video rentals for $2.00.
I love that this documentary focuses on men. We seem to share different challenges than woman. Different from not better than. I can fully appreciate why my journey through this has been so long, arduous and emotional.
I have been affirmed.
I also recognize how fortunate I have been to make it to this point in my life (becoming now a witness as stated in the film) when so many other men are still on their journey here and others have died. It was shocking to hear that contemplating suicide and knowing that its not a matter of "if" but "when" for some of the men.
I also realized that most of us were "waiting" for someone to "guess" what was going on with us as a child and that NOBODY asked. I firmly now believe that every parent should ask their children directly whether they have been sexually abused if they see behaviors of emotional, mental or social disruptions.
We cannot handle carrying the shame or the burden of your incompetency to "handle" our crisis. If you cannot. Please find somebody that can. We also do not want to bring our "shame" into your idea of a "family".
This film, more than any other affirms my journey. I remember the taunts from family members that I "choose" to tell my sad story over and over again. I loved in the film where men had real families that were supportive and loving and actually believed their experiences and did not mock them or make feel less than.
Thank you Ethan for your brave new film.
I am in awe.