End The Silence: a documentary to shine a light on Child Abuse on the eastern shore
SALISBURY, Md – It’s an ugly topic that is swept under the rug far too often, child sex abuse. It’s a taboo subject both nationally and right here on the eastern shore.
Now a documentary, shot on the eastern shore by Urban Vision Works, is telling the stories of several eastern shore women. Their tragedies, their hardships, and their triumphs.
End The Silence: a documentary
The statistics are shocking. According to Victims of Crime, a website with national statistics on child abuse, one-in-five girls, and one-in-twenty boys, are victims of sexual abuse.
“These numbers are incorrect, the actual statistics are: Child rape occurs every two minutes. 1 in 3 girls will be sexually molested before the age 17, and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually molested before the age 17 (1 in 5 in Canada).
A sex offender will molest an average of 120 victims, most of whom do not report it, and 90% of molesters abuse children they know.”
Robert StrongBow
“What we learned and what I personally learned is once you start talking about it, once you actually get somebody not to be hush-hush and quiet and talk about it then you realize they know somebody who knows somebody,” says Oasis, the executive producer of the documentary.
The idea for the documentary was born from Wanda Martin Palmer, the founder of #ProtectOurGirlsCampaign.
Wanda says she and her daughter were victimized by the same person, prompting her to create the campaign, which she now uses to give resources and information to other victims.
“She’s going to make sure that it goes to the highest level as it can possibly go,” says Javenna Smith Myrieckes, director of the film.
End The Silence, which centers around Palmer, brings out a series of emotions, from anger to sadness.
“A couple of the young ladies have such extreme experiences that what makes it difficult for them to go on is that some of the predators and violators are still in their family structure,” said Javenna. “And then, I start to find out about their victories and their healing, and I actually start to get a little afraid. Because it’s a subject matter that not everyone wants to avoid and ignore.”
The hope is this film will accomplish its two main goals. To show victims that there are ways to get the help they need, and to begin the conversation, a conversation long overdue.
“It’s not going to be the perfect discussion, it’s uncomfortable. But it’s necessary,” said Javenna.
End The Silence will premiere at the Black Diamond Lounge in Fruitland on August 24, and again at the Senator Theater in Baltimore on August 30.
You can find out more information at endthesilencedocumentary.com.
I think this documentary can help shed some light on a problem too long hidden in the shadows. In my youth, I recall women teaching children that most families have a “funny uncle” to be careful around. Now is the time to get truthful and tell the children these people are pedophiles, while being cautious of them, feel safe to come to parents if they step out of line. They are not funny at all. Hopefully this will help many people.
Crystal, it is done!
Robert
Robert, thank you very much. Have a blessed night.
Crystal
Reblogged this on Madison Elizabeth Baylis.
Crystal, Thank You so much for your input, it means very much to us here.
Sincerely,
Robert
Robert, thank you very much. I wanted to edit the word girls to children, but couldn’t, so reposted hoping to delete the other. I could not. This is why the double post. Our Circle is very appreciated.
Sincerely;
Crystal
Crystal, I can handle that small thing for you.
You know that quiet obviously you are very appreciated also…. since you are a very big part of Our Circle.
So wipe out the post that says “girls” and leave the one that says “Children”, consider it done.
Robert