Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["Gaurav Jashnani" <>]

Hi Tom and the-rest-of-the-list,

 

We screened it this past April at Columbia, and found it quite useful.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/52153829/Columbia-University-Film-Screening-Boys-and-Men-Healing-and-Panel-Male-Child-Sexual-Abuse

 

We followed it with a panel discussion, which featured two clinicians and two activists who are survivors of child sexual abuse (one of whom is featured in the film): Mark Crawford works toward accountability for clergy members who have sexually abused children, while RJ Maccani organizes around transformative justice, challenging male privilege and building the skills/knowledge/infrastructure for community-based responses to violence. 

 

Some of the best things that came out of the film:

-          Space for students, administrators and other community members to learn about the existence and experience of male survivors

-          A forum for many survivors of various genders (though mostly men) to gather, speak with each other and build community

-          Plans for an informal survivor support group

-          A clear understanding that boys are abused at a terrifying rate, and also that sexual violence is nonetheless deeply gendered

-          A challenge to simple notions about how communities of color need to see abuse as more of a problem, so that they can report it to the police more (this was instead problematized, as one of the panelists talked about how racial targeting and violence by the police, child welfare and other state systems served as obstacles to halting abuse within families and communities)

 

I’d say that the film is really good at personalizing child sexual abuse, but doesn’t necessarily place it in the context of institutions and norms that perpetuate it happening – panelists were important for that.  The film also was good for communicating that men can be survivors, as well as bystanders and perpetrators, of violence – I think this idea around men having multiple relationships to violence is key.  And finally, I think it’s really important when screening it to include the even greater number of women survivors of CSA as part of the conversation.

 

Best,

Gaurav

 

 

---

Gaurav Jashnani

Men's Peer Education Program Coordinator

Sexual Violence Response

Columbia University

212.854.2136

 

 

 

From: Tom Schiff [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 12:35 PM
To:
Subject: Boys and Men Healing- film about the impact of male child sexual abuse - apologies for any cross posts

 

This is a fascinating film. Very powerful. We just got it in our library and we are trying to figure out the best ways to use this. I am wondering if anyone has used this film and if so, how. 

 

If you haven't seen it, I would recommend at least checking it out.

 

 

Tom Schiff, Ed.D.
Center for Health Promotion
University Health Services
150 Infirmary Way
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
413-577-5133

 

Boys and Men Healing is a documentary about the impact male child sexual abuse has on both the individual and society, and the importance of male survivors healing and speaking out for the well being of individuals, families, and communities. Featuring non-offending men, this film digs deep into the effects of boyhood sexual abuse-- shame, intimacy problems, sexual identity confusion, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse or rage that led to violence plagued their lives--yet each man ultimately chose the arduous task of healing. Through counseling and support groups and taking action toward the prevention of other boys, each man is a testimony of hope and the ability for survivors to thrive.  The film bursts forth with beauty and celebration of men's emotions and voices-too long veiled under masculinity stereotypes and silence. Produced by Big Voice Pictures in association with the International Documentary Association. For more information call

805-898-3696 ir www.bigvoicepcitures.com

 

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