I found the trailer to Boys and Men Healing to be absolutely superb. It is moving and informative, emotionally powerful yet clear, calm & objective. As the author of a book on male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, I was very impressed by the breadth of the topics covered in the brief trailer I viewed as well as with the sensitivity with which they were presented. I am looking forward to the opportunity to view the whole film.
- Matthew Mendel, Ph.D.
Psychologist, Author of The Male Survivor: Impact of Sexual Abuse
Boys and Men Healing promises to be a powerful film, one that will truly benefit many men sexually abused as children, and those who care about them. The men and their stories are real and moving. Their voices are diverse, insightful, and compelling. Kathy Barbini’s film has the potential to transform those stories and voices into healing – not only for individuals but also for families, communities, and even societies.
- Jim Hopper, Ph.D.
Instructor in Psychology, Harvard Medical School
Researcher, therapist, and creator of child abuse related websites
Boys and Men Healing addresses the critical problem of child sexual abuse and its horrific ramifications for both the individual victim and society at large. It shows the link between early sexual abuse and subsequent substance abuse, criminal activity, and continuing the cycle of abuse against future generations of innocent children. We as a society cannot afford to ignore the important messages this film has to offer.
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Rhonda Perkins
Customer Care Coordinator
Prevention Education,
Childhelp, USA
I watched Boys and Men Healing with tears in my eyes as each man spoke with courageous honesty about the devastating impact of child sexual abuse on his life. In these men I see the faces and voices of thousands upon thousands of raped or molested children in America who have been intimidated and silenced with threats or who were not believed when they bravely came forward with their stories. I predict that Boys and Men Healing will have a profound effect on the ears that are still closed to the message that we must hear, care, act and protect, especially when the voice is quiet and small.
- Eileen King,
Regional Director
Justice For Children/Washington, D.C. Chapter
I have the distinct honor of working alongside Mark Crawford (profiled in the film) to fix laws that put the interest of organizations above those for which they were entrusted to serve. Boys and Men Healing will bring much needed light to a long concealed issue. My compliments are extended to Kathy Barbini for recognizing the importance of Mark’s advocacy and for including his story in this film. Laws will never change on their own. While it is clear this film will help survivors heal and providers treat, I see an even greater purpose. Use this film to educate lawmakers. Take encouragement from Mark and become an advocate. Serve on Commissions, run for public office, become the agents for change. Help to ensure our laws protect children and most importantly provide them the access to justice that they deserve. Senator Joe Vitale New Jersey State Senate
- Senator Joe Vitale
New Jersey State Senate
This preview of the Boys and Men Healing is exceptional. I believe that those individuals that have worked in the movement of anti-sexual assault will recognize and connect with Dr. Lisak’s participation as a respected researcher but also will reach a new understanding of his work. The inclusion of a broad range of victims increases the impact of this documentary and makes for a very powerful message.
- Jessica McSparron-Bien, LSW
Sexual Assault Program and Policy Coordinator/NDCAWS/CASAND
As a Vermonter committed to supporting all victims of sexual violence I say congratulations on an excellent breakthrough - this video will reach many, and will be an important vehicle in helping victims in their healing process and the general public in their awareness...an extraordinarily touching and brave documentary.
- Alex Bottinelli
Library and Resource Coordinator
Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
This film is something EVERYONE needs to see and talk about - not just the survivors or those doing the prevention/intervention work. God bless you in the work you are doing, and I pray that you receive the funding you need for completion. This film is both powerful in its subject matter and moving in its stories from men who, after suffering horrific childhood sexual abuse, are finding ways to heal some very deep emotional and psychological wounds. My hope is that this work from the dedicated producers at Big Voice Pictures will enlighten audiences and encourage conversation about this disturbing and painful topic, as creating awareness and understanding of the enormity of the problem is a vital part of finding a solution to end childhood sexual abuse.
- Suzanne Kramer-Brenna, MA
Prevention Coordinator
ND Council on Abused Women's Services
As a therapist for a rape crisis/child advocacy center in Kentucky, this is an issue I have to address on a daily basis; girls, boys, men and women. This issue touches so many. It is very difficult to help men see that recovery and treatment can be the beginning of a new life after so much sadness and tragedy. Thank you for bringing this important issue to light in such a thoughtful and wonderful way.
- Shelley Adkins
Therapist/Clinical Director
Advocacy & Support Center
I reviewed the trailer on the website and you have a very powerful video that will be useful in educating law enforcement officers about the impact child sex abuse has on their victims.
- Eddie Farrey
Law Enforcement
I want to tell you that your film trailer is exceptionally well done. Very beautifully filmed. My colleagues and I greatly appreciate it. In fact I got this message from one of them just after I had also sent out your message announcing the trailer and encouraging folks to view it. Please keep up all your great work and know how deeply it is appreciated by countless people.. We cheer you on as you work to complete production with Simon, David and everyone else involved in this invaluable project.
- Chrys Ballerano
Building Connections (Sexual Assault & Mental Health) Project Co-Director
Community Educator & Resource Library Coordinator
NYS Coalition Against Sexual Assault
In the film trailer I watched, I was touched by the openness with which these men shared their stories. Also, the picture not only showed what men in recovery are going through but also the effects of abuse (as with the man facing death). It is a sobering and heartbreaking reality that sexual abuse dramatically impacts every aspect of life for a survivor. By sharing their stories, they find the hope of healing. Thank you for giving them a voice. We need to hear them speaking.
- Jenn McEwen
Vice President
Wellspring Living
First of all, thank you for the opportunity to view the trailer of Boys and Men Healing from child sexual abuse. Secondly, I found the trailer to very well done. I especially appreciated the candid disclosures from men of all walks of life. I am confident that this video will be an excellent tool to not only help boys and men in the healing process but to also empower male survivors of child sexual abuse to seek help and to not feel alone in their experience.
- Josh M. Jasper, M.S.W./Executive Director/C.E.O.
Riverview Center, Inc.
A central portion of our organization's message is to educate our communities about male survivorship. I knew David Lisak primarily from his research on male sexual abuse, and I have to commend him for reaching beyond the research lab and revealing the personal journey that sent him down the path he chose. He didn't choose to be abused, but he chose to survive. If we are not a survivor then chances are we know one. Our organization supports this journey in telling the stories of the male sexual abuse survivor. I am a male sexual abuse survivor and I say this with more courage than I did the day before because of films like Boys and Men Healing.
- Christopher & Ophelia de Serres
Founders
(Wo)Men Speak Out
We felt that this documentary was very moving. It was nice to have a male's perspective and it was empowering to hear the men discuss their pain and feelings with such emotion -- It is not very often that men open up regarding topics of this nature. We felt that it could be used as a good resource for our male clients. The diversity of the men in this documentary made it even more empowering. As an agency, we would like to thank you for the opportunity to view your trailer. We look forward to seeing the final outcome.
- Sherri Law, BA
The REACH Center, Inc.
What (even) may have been a single physical act of violence opens up a spiritual abyss in the soul of the survivor that they must bear with them throughout their life. Becoming able not only to live with but to heal these wounds - to bridge this abyss - is by its very nature a spiritual journey, one undertaken with great effort, honesty, courage and most of all, the finding of new meaning. Just such a journey is evident in what the filmmakers have done in Boys and Men Healing. Through the lives of men who have begun this healing themselves, those who see it may begin to know that such a meaning-filled healing is even possible.
- Rev. Patrick Kennedy
Priest in the Christian Community in the Washington Baltimore area