Please leave a comment on the film

I am in the process of facing my own past experiences of abuse. Having had around my tenth session of Psychotherapy I have begun to feel more confident opening up to my therapist, I then happened to come across the broadcast on More4.  I could relate to many aspects of what Tom Alastair and Mark were conveying and although it brought a lot of horrifying memories back suddenly - especially the manner in which they were groomed - It was also quite liberating.  Since watching the film I have felt more confortable talking about aspects of my abuse simply by knowing that many of the feelings I felt for the proceeding twenty years are seemingly common - sadly that brings with it its own issues for me - but I just wanted to say thank you for broadcasting a painfully accurate and personal account from the victims without all the tabloid hysteria that I hate so much.

Posted on 2008 12 31 at 08:20 PM

Gentlemen, thank you so very much for your amazing courage and compassion for self and all of us. I am a survivor who recognises so much of myself in your stories of the effects of being abused. Your clear, intelligent and honest articulation of your experiences and aftermath has been truly inspiring if a painful but necessary and timely reminder that the effects of abuse never go away but can be overcome. As my therapist says, the best revenge is to get well so all the best in your ongoing recovery. Your efforts in making this will surely go a long way in healing. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Posted on 2008 12 23 at 12:23 AM

It happened in my prep school too. late 50’s. the head master left with a “nervous breakdown”. at least in this case the boys complained at put a stop to it.

Posted on 2008 12 21 at 08:00 PM

These amazing men have the voice that I never had, to tell with such bravery and eloquence the story of so many of our lives.
I am a victim of an abuser, not in a school but in an environment that was trusted to a friend of the family. Abusers do not only abuse the child but they abuse their family and their community and even their own wives. They abuse their confidence and their trust and they change their lives forever. Maybe by making films like this you can give us the courage to speak out. My abuser is dead, so there is no justice for me. But I found solace in the words of these men, and if men like Brian Woods keep making films about topics like this, that challenge the uncomfortable, then maybe someday we will all have the courage to speak out.

Posted on 2008 12 21 at 03:04 PM

Remarkable film portrayed with such heart rending honesty. The music is haunting and sinister, highly appropriate to the crime, and the photos show over and over the innocence of such young lives, children living with the secret not shown on their faces or behind the eyes - invisible pain. Tom first contacted me 5 years ago as a result of reading our own court case about Jeffry Carney, a now retired Headmaster in Berkshire. I am so pleased at last these 3 men have had the opportunity to speak out for their own peace and for the education it brings to others - too many people choose to be ostrichs about this issue. THOUSANDS of children and parents, have , are and will be in this situation. The whole package offered by the film and the additional educational benefits is a wonderful contribution to society for the future. Thank you all. There are many of us who have lived through this experience in different ways ,who through tenacity ,perseverance and courage, have and are turning their pain for the benefit of others.For the Public - PLEASE honour us all , if this crime has not affected your life and LEARN from our experiences - mine is as the parent whose children were abused who was a colleague of the abuser. Every day it lives with you as thses men have described and as a mother I agree with them. It changes lives FOREVER.

Posted on 2008 12 19 at 11:16 AM

This film, produced with such clarity, should be compulsory viewing for all parents. Tom, Mark and Alistair must be thanked for their honesty and courage. Harrodian School should be ashamed of themselves and their lawyers.

Posted on 2008 12 18 at 06:32 PM