...helping to prevent bullying and child abuse 1985 - 2008
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Real Men - BBC2
The BBC two part serial Real Men is a powerful drama about child abuse. The dialogue is realistic and reflects many of the cases Kidscape has been involved with over several years. What is particularly striking is the way several of the abusers are portrayed - not as 'dirty old men' but as plausible professionals. This is why so many abusers get away with abusing for so long; no one believes they could be capable of such horrific crimes.
The programme also deals with the myth that children who are abused will grow up to abuse. In the first episode one of the characters makes the point that most abusers were abused, but the VAST majority of abused children never go on to abuse. This is especially important to survivors.
The only concern I have is that the boy, Russell, when disclosing his abuse tells in graphic detail what happened. As this was done previously by an adult survivor, I felt it unnecessary to put the child actor through that. The film makers say there was support for the children, that it was discussed with parents and children and that they felt it was important. I can understand their reasoning, but I still think it was not right for the child involved.
Overall I congratulate the BBC for an excellent serial.
Michele Elliott, Director of Kidscape
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