BishopAccountability.org
 
  Boyhood Shadows

Boyhood Shadows
July 31, 2010

http://www.boyhoodshadows.org/genesis.html

Genesis

This film of tragedy, heartbreak and hope found its beginnings in a room full of men. These men were moving forward with their lives by looking back on their childhoods – bonded by trauma and now, healing.

In this room at the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center in Monterey, California, they were seeking help through a support group for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This group is one of just a handful in California; and only 40 or so groups exist worldwide, according to the group facilitator, Stephen Braveman.

As the men began to heal, they decided they wanted to reach others who had been victimized as boys. The concept for a :30 second Public Service Announcement was born. In a joint effort, members of the group created the script, storyboards and musical score – and the project was ready to go. Funded by anonymous benefactors committed to helping male survivors on a national and global basis, “You Are Not Alone” was filmed and produced by filmmakers, Terri DeBono and Steve Rosen of Mac + Ava Motion Pictures.

After its initial airing there was immediate response from other men seeking help. One-thousand copies of the PSA were distributed nationally to rape crisis centers, sexologists and therapists.

The success of the PSA made it clear a documentary – telling the stories in a dramatic way through the men and others - was needed to raise national awareness and understanding of boyhood sexual abuse. Pre-production began in early 2007; a collaborative effort between the MCRCC, Stephen Braveman, members of the men’s group, filmmakers Terri DeBono and Steve Rosen and the benefactors. The project’s scope expanded as interviews led to more interviews and the filmmakers traveled the country to film stories - from survivors, professionals and advocates to family members and friends.

Although Boyhood Shadows explores the darkness of childhood sexual abuse, it ultimately brings light and hope to all affected by it.

More information on the MCRCC and Stephen Braveman’s work can be found at www.mtryrapecrisis.org and www.bravemantherapy.com.

The Monterey County Rape Crisis Center’s Men’s Group is facilitated by Stephen Braveman, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who holds an AASECT Certified Diplomate of Sex Therapy and is a Gender Specialist. A noted leader in his field, Braveman’s private practice specializes in sexuality, sexual abuse and gender-related therapies.

 
 

Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.