Amplifying the Cost of Silence

Once again, the educational documentary “The Cost of Silence – #USTOO” is returning to make an even greater impact.

This documentary features two editions and amplifies the voices of childhood sexual abuse survivors, particularly male survivors, who have suffered from inaction, silence and isolation for too long.  

The Healer’s Edition focuses on abuse survivors and the vital role healing services with a trauma-informed approach play. It features 10 survivors, including 3 from First Nation communities, and experts from across the globe. It aims to broaden understanding of the challenges faced by male victims and why it is crucial to offer specialized support.

The Preventative Justice Edition focuses on providing healing services to individuals at risk of harming, such as pedophiles and hebephiles, with the goal of preventing them from committing offenses. This segment highlights the expertise of Germany’s Troubled Desire program, renowned for its success. It has not only become part of the German healthcare system but also serves as a global model, with the potential to prevent 99.9% of these individuals from engaging in ‘hands-on’ offenses when implemented in communities worldwide.

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) has followed the journey of “The Cost of Silence – #USTOO” since its inception and is honoured to once again contribute to the next stage of its story. Previously, the IRF had provided funding to support with the development of the film and healing resources. For this stage, the film will be distributed to 20 main branch libraries across British Columbia, including the Vancouver Public Library and Central Library, to reach a wider audience and offer itself as a resource for Indigenous survivors living away from community. 

“The Cost of Silence – #USTOO” project is a powerful contributor to truth and reconciliation efforts. Childhood sexual abuse is a painful part of history in Indigenous communities that has long been hidden. In supplying educational DVDs, digital access and training seminars, Kimberlite Media is actively promoting reconciliation between survivors and society. Their work goes beyond just addressing the consequences of abuse; it seeks to create a safer environment for all individuals, healing the wounds of the past and promoting a culture of empathy and support.

For more information about Kimberlite Media and the Cost of Silence – #USTOO project, please visit their website at https://rcav.org/tcos

Archdiocese of Vancouver