The taboo of child sexual abuse: an interview

We are still very reluctant to talk about child abuse. Words become heavy, we often seem to run out of breath. Nevertheless, something is changing, both on a personal and global level.

I have studied the phenomenon of child abuse from an anthropological perspective for years and am actively engaged in outreach, but talking about this topic, and hearing my own voice again, is a thought-provoking experience that still touches me deeply. Every time I address the subject, I feel an inner shaking, an emotional upheaval that brings memories and reflections back.

Journalists Alessandra Del Zotto and Chiara Nardinocchi recently published a unique reportage entitled ‘If the paedophile is in the family: the taboo of child sexual abuse’, in which they address with extreme competence and empathy a topic that is often ignored or treated superficially.

Alessandra and Chiara offered me an important opportunity: to be able to talk about my experience as a survivor of the trauma of childhood abuse. Speaking in front of a camera is never easy, especially when dealing with such a personal and painful topic. Yet, I realised how essential it is. It is uncomfortable, sure, but essential. The temptation to invalidate my own testimony is always lurking around the corner: ‘How important can my experience be in the face of the enormity of the events around me?’ I often ask myself. But it counts. It does count. And your personal experience matters too, that of you reading this now.

By sharing our stories, we not only break the silence that shrouds trauma, but can also help those who are still stuck in fear to speak, to find their voice. Speaking out is already an act of resistance and a privilege, a step towards living with trauma: not just at the personal level, but collectively.

For those who want to learn more, the full report is available on Repubblica.it, and my interview can be viewed here.

Every voice matters.