A powerful documentary as straightforward as its title, Kathy Barbini's Boys and Men Healing presents three men talking about their experiences of being sexually abused as children and also describing their struggles to come to terms with the trauma. One man was assaulted by a cousin, the second raped by a boarder his mother had hired as a babysitter, and the third abused by his parish priest. Each of the painful recollections here is accompanied by archival stills/footage from the victim's youth, as well as newly shot video of the interviewees and their families. All three have chosen not only to speak out about what happened to them but also to help others. One is an activist in a New Jersey group protesting the church's protection of pedophile priests, and the film follows his crusade to change state law on the statute of limitations for such crimes. Another is a psychologist specializing in treating victims of childhood abuse and investigating its effects; his visit to a North Carolina death-row inmate who'd been molested as a child is recorded here. The other participates in support groups—the excerpts from these meetings help broaden the scope beyond the three primary subjects. Boys and Men Healing tackles a difficult topic in a matter-of-fact fashion that makes it all the more moving. Of course, it may also serve to encourage those still keeping their experiences locked inside to take action. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Boys and Men Healing
(2011) 58 min. DVD: $24.99: individuals; $99 (w/PPR): institutions. Big Voice Pictures. Volume 26, Issue 3
Boys and Men Healing
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