An hour-long special called Breaking the Silence will air commercial-free on TLC on Sunday, August 30; the program centers on "the challenging journey faced by those affected by child sexual abuse." One of those people is Erin Merryn, author of the memoirs Stolen Innocence, Living for Today and An Unimaginable Act (all published by Health Communications). The documentary is part of a partnership between TLC and the abuse prevention organizations RAINN and Darkness to Light that also includes ongoing public service announcements and information at TLC.com/BeTheVoice, offering resources, experts and calls-to-action for pending legislation.
One such initiative is "Erin's Law"--created by the author--which mandates age-appropriate education on personal body safety for children in schools; it has already passed in 26 states. Merryn has filmed a PSA about her experiences that's currently airing on TLC.