Physical abuse and incest have a high rate of incidence in families where alcohol and drug use are problematic. Not all abuse is blatant. Physical abuse is not always broken bones and bruises but includes the fear of getting hit; watching others get hit; and/or being shoved, kicked, pinched, or slapped. Sexual name calling, inappropriate sexual teasing, and drunken nudity are forms of abuse. Fondling and inappropriate touch by a family member are forms of incest. Incest need not involve intercourse.

Sound of Silence is a classic in the field of abuse and addiction and one of the first videos to address the fact that physical and sexual violence frequently coexists in alcohol and drug impacted families. Claudia Black speaks to the similarities of abusers and addicts, and to the similarities amongst the family members, acknowledging that when these dynamics coexist, the negative consequences are even greater. Throughout the film, the viewer will see short vignettes of young people and adults who are breaking the rule of silence and talking about the abuse that occurred in their growing up years. Claudia very sensitively discusses physical and sexual abuse as it exists along a continuum, from the emotional and more subtle abuses to the most blatant and physically violent, assisting the viewer in lessening their denial.

This video offers validation to those who have quietly endured abuse in their family and gives support for finding a voice and owning their reality.

The Sound of Silence provides a means that will allow these taboo subjects to be recognized and addressed, so the process of recovery can be initiated. Claudia Black addresses these issues in a manner that is both sensitive and professional.

The following are some of the reasons for showing this video.

To identify abuse as abuse.

Many people from abusive families develop a high tolerance for inappropriate behavior and are not able to identify abuse when it occurs. To identify abuse is the beginning of acknowledging that it is wrong; it is the beginning of a recovery process; it is the beginning of saying I don't deserve to be abused, and of protecting oneself.

To acknowledge the reality of life in dysfunctional families.

This message will take the power out of denial.

To validate feelings.

This gives permission to talk.

To help people see they are not alone.

To let people know their lives can change.

This video often affects the audience emotionally and because of the nature of the material presented, it is always advised that it be shown under the supervision of a professional experienced in dealing with issues of sexual abuse.

Preview

To view the first 5 minutes of this video, click on the View Video Clip. You will need to have QuickTime Media Player installed on your computer. A free download is available here.

Running time is 26 minutes.