SurvivorSpace offers resources and support for viewers of the new documentary about sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts
Zero Abuse Project is encouraged that Netflix’s recently-released documentary, Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America, shines a light on the critical need to ensure that all survivors have access to the healing and justice they deserve.
Over 80,000 survivors have filed claims against the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). In April of this year, the BSA emerged from bankruptcy, resulting in a $2.46 billion sexual abuse settlement, the largest of its kind in U.S. history. As survivors now navigate the settlement process, many questions linger: How could such heinous abuse within the BSA be perpetrated for decades without consequence? How have these crimes affected survivors and their families? What can we do to better protect children, hold offenders and institutions accountable, and improve access to justice for survivors?
Survivors who were victimized within or outside the BSA and choose to watch the documentary might experience traumatic memories and feelings of sadness, anger, or betrayal. Some who have never told anyone about their past abuse may feel inspired to come forward. Loved ones of survivors may feel agitated or helpless. These responses are valid, and survivors are not alone in how they feel.
“As a survivor of sexual abuse in scouting, the powerful testimony of the men in the documentary resonated with me,” said Zero Abuse Project CEO, Jeff Dion. “I want to tell every survivors that it was not their fault, and that no matter how long they have held this secret, it is never too late to seek help.”
Check out our resources here on SurvivorSpace that were created by survivors for survivors If you are struggling or need immediate support, please reach out to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.
Zero Abuse Project is uniquely equipped to address child sexual abuse. SurvivorSpace connects adult survivors and those who care about them with helpful, trauma-informed content and resources, including survivor stories, a chat-based discussion forum, interactive presentations, and civil litigation information. Zero Abuse Project offers nationwide state-of-the-art training and technical assistance to professionals across all disciplines.
Survivors of sexual abuse deserve to be believed and supported, no matter when or where the abuse occurred. Now and always, Zero Abuse Project stands with survivors.