This important documentary investigates the effects of child sexual abuse on three women’s lives and illuminates their journey from pain and despair toward recovery and finally to working to end the cycle of child sexual abuse.

The Healing Years combines footage from interviews, reminiscences with family members, counseling groups, and home movies to share the women’s poignant and difficult stories. The film profiles former Miss America Marilyn Derbur and her nationwide work as an advocate for victims’ rights. It also features Janice Mirikitani, president of San Francisco’s Glide Memorial Church, who works with inner-city individuals addicted to drugs and alcohol, and discovers that ninety percent of women in recovery were abused as children. Also profiled is Barbara Hamilton, a seventy-nine-year-old survivor who describes growing up in a household plagued by sexual abuse. She explains how these events gave rise to suicidal feelings, though she was eventually able to employ therapy to work through her pain and succeed at ending three generations of incest.

A companion film, Boys and Men Healing from Child Sexual Abuse, is also available from Filmakers Library.

“An exhibition of abundant courage and great heart”
‒ Maya Angelou

"A powerful experience”
‒ Dr Jon Conte, Professor of Social Work, University of Washington

“An excellent film. . . . Highly recommended for child abuse and domestic violence professionals, therapists and teachers.”
‒ Library Journal