Loud Silence
By Todd Jones
Every child deserves to be protected, believed, and supported. Healing begins when we replace silence and shame with truth, compassion, and accountability.
Loud Silence follows Todd Jones as he reflects on surviving childhood sexual abuse, navigating trauma, incarceration, and mental health struggles, and ultimately finding purpose in helping other Black men tell their stories. The film challenges audiences to confront the silence surrounding sexual violence and mental health within Black communities and imagine what becomes possible when survivors are heard.
About the Issue
Too many survivors of childhood sexual abuse suffer in silence because of shame, stigma, fear, and disbelief. Within many communities, Black boys and men are rarely given the space to speak openly about their experiences or access the support they need to heal.
Approximately 70% of incarcerated men report experiencing sexual victimization or abuse. The National Library of Medicine.
Between 62% and 87% of incarcerated Black men report a history of trauma exposure prior to incarceration. The National Library of Medicine.
Childhood trauma is strongly associated with increased risks of mental health challenges, substance use, and system involvement later in life. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network; The National Governors Association; The National Library of Medicine.
When survivors are believed, supported, and connected to healing, cycles of silence can be broken.
Take Action
Create space for honest conversations about abuse, trauma, and mental health in your family, school, faith community, workplace, or neighborhood.
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"Break The Silence" Pledge
Take the public pledge to check in with one Black man or boy this month, ask how he's really doing, and create space for honest conversation.
Host A Screening
Bring Loud Silence to your campus, organization, coalition, faith community, conference, or community event to spark conversations about sexual assault and harm of Black boys.
Screenings help communities challenge stigma, rethink how we respond to harm, and build support for solutions that prioritize healing over shame.
Interested in hosting a screening, panel, or community conversation potentially featuring Todd Jones and local advocates?