I made a comic book focusing on my personal experiences with childhood sexual abuse, and the often very difficult and convoluted journey of ‘coming out’. This piece was a finalist for the ‘Laydeez do Comics’ award 2019.
Blurb:
Two years of child sex abuse. A decade of silence.
Thirty-two months after speaking out and one court case later, my extended family finally agree to discuss what happened – and what happens next.
In this autobiographical zine, a very private conversation is bought to a very public domain.
Who is it for?
Adults interested in the effects of child abuse.
Why does it work?
- Not a lot of reading involved
- Can read privately through the medium of a book
- Highlights the visual signs, not just what people verbally communicate
What could be improved?:
Weave more general points into the story, such as who to go to for help and why this is so common. In this way, it is more relatable to people.
Quotes
“It really surprises me that you experienced child abuse because you’re successful. And now I don’t know how I feel about what I just said”
A friend, 20s.
The Insights
People do not equate success and trauma. If someone is perceived to be successful, then they are less likely to be included in conversations about traumatic childhoods.
