Bendigo church screens documentary about childhood sexual abuse

By Mark Kearney
Bendigo Advertiser
July 19, 2016

http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/4039901/survivors-stories-on-screen/

A documentary detailing the pain endured by survivors of sexual abuse will screen at a Bendigo church on Wednesday night.

Epsom Community Church will show Humble Hope, a film featuring the stories of nine people who were victims of sexual assault in their childhood.

It also explains the role religion has played in their recovery. 

Survivor Mark Stiles, who was interviewed for the film, will appear at the screening on Wednesday. 

Mr Stiles was abused by Salvation Army officers while living at Gill Memorial Boys’ Home in Goulburn, New South Wales, in the early 1970s, crimes he has recounted to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

He hoped the film could help ease other survivors’ suffering.

“We hope to see people learning how to walk out of the abuse and walk into forgiveness, because forgiveness is the beginning of a healing heart,” he said.

“We didn't do anything wrong as kids being abused, the wrong was done to us.”

Epsom Community Church elder Rob Robertson said the stories of institutional abuse were important for people of faith to hear.   

“The law takes its course, as it should, but for the individual, the documentary does show that faith has been a powerful way of moving forward,” he said.  

“It gives you a deep sense of hope, assurance and healing.”

He said all people were welcome to attend and asked they register for the screening at www.humblehope.eventbrite.com.au. 

Bendigo is the third stop on the film’s tour of Victoria this week, having already shown in Melbourne and Warnambool. Another screening will be held in Mildura on Thursday.  

If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual abuse, phone 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, dial 000.