DETAILS TLC’s Duggar sexual abuse special Breaking the Silence to air Sunday, August 30
In the wake of the 19 Kids and Counting Josh Duggar sexual abuse scandal, TLC announced last month that they would be airing an hour-long, commercial-free documentary focusing on the families and survivors of child abuse. Earlier today the network revealed more details about the special, which is titled Breaking the Silence and is set to air at the end of the month.
“Breaking the Silence will air commercial-free on Sunday, August 30th at 10/9c and shine a light on the challenging journey faced by those affected by child sexual abuse, as well as offer useful information where people can turn for help,” reads the press release. “In light of recent events around 19 Kids and Counting – and in an effort to promote education, raise awareness and advance the conversation on this important matter – TLC has partnered with two of the nation’s leading abuse prevention organizations, RAINN and Darkness to Light, on a new documentary addressing the issue.”
Here is some of what viewers can expect to see:
The one-hour documentary is built around the personal and emotional stories of brave survivors who have found the courage to come forward. Among them is Erin Merryn – a mom and two time survivor, who is determined to put an end to abuse with “Erin’s Law,” legislation that has been passed in 26 states and makes age-appropriate curriculum on personal body safety mandatory for children in schools. Also sharing her story is Terrae Lee, who was sexually abused when she was 11-years-old and is now a vocal advocate for victims, co-founding the Young Survivor’s Foundation, a group offering help to others. It includes David Moody, a successful businessman who, after 45 years of harboring a painful secret, now counsels at-risk youth. And it tells the remarkable story of 11-year-old Kaelin, a brave survivor who is already channeling her pain into public speaking and education.
As previously reported, Jill Dillard and Jessa Seewald (who have admitted to being two of Josh Duggars molestation victims) will appear in the special. The sisters are in attendance at a Darkness to Light prevention training session that will be included in the broadcast. The release explains that Jill and Jessa “want to use their situation to help others and promote adult education for the protection of children.”
According to the press release, the special is only the beginning of an ongoing focus on child sexual abuse. “The documentary is part of a multi-platform partnership between TLC, RAINN and Darkness to Light that will include ongoing Public Service Announcements and information at TLC.com/BeTheVoice containing access to important resources, experts and easy tools to support pending legislation.”
“We are grateful to the survivors of sexual abuse and their families who are so generously sharing their experiences through the documentary,” said Katherine Hull Fliflet, RAINN’s vice president of communications. “Hearing from survivors can make a big difference in the lives of other families who have been impacted by sexual abuse. We hope that hearing these stories will encourage many others to come forward and get help through the National Sexual Assault Hotline.”
Breaking the Silence airs Sunday, August 30 at 10/9c on TLC.
