Documentary Featuring 5 Black Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in Trenton Premieres September 16
Tona Buck has turned pain and suffering into passion as an advocate for survivors of sexual abuse.
In her award-winning documentary film on the difficult topic entitled “Enough”, five survivors of child sexual abuse from the Trenton-area, underscore the need for urgent action and support for survivors of sexual abuse. The premiere of the documentary will be held at New Jersey State Museum from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on September 16.
Buck, identifies as a survivor although she notes she remains in survival mode, shares her story of abuse and her journey towards healing and empowerment. The former Trenton resident who experienced sexual abuse as a 3-year-old, believes it’s the telling that potentially produces a portal of positive action.
“Through sharing our stories and experiences, we hope to create greater awareness about the prevalence of child sexual abuse and its impact on communities of color,” said Buck. “Our goal is to inspire and call on leaders, organizations, and communities to take a stand against child sexual abuse.”
Speaking in statements that she defined as personal perspectives, Buck, now living in South Carolina, delivered her hard truth.
“I’m not really a survivor, I’m always surviving those moments of abuse. I may be having a great day but it only takes an instant, a recollection of abuses suffered as a child that can change a day. There’s a reason it’s called trauma — it stays with you,” Buck explained.
Buck started her nonprofit, R.O.S.A. (Rising OverSexual Abuse) Warriors in 2014, and she has been bringing a voice to the voiceless through support, education, and advocacy for survivors and their families. Her children’s book, STOP (Safe Touches Only Please), is written for a young audience, and teaches youth how to name their body parameters and how to say, “No!”
She also started on this documentary journey with her first film, “Why We Didn’t Tell,” available on YouTube and linked at www.rosawarriors.org. Along with all this, Buck has organized a worldwide Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Walk for the past seven years, and attendance has grown every year.
“Enough” has already won 2nd in the world, 1st in the USA, at the Cannes Worldwide Film Festival, Best Women Film category and 1st place at the Freedom International Film Festival. It has been submitted into film festivals across the country and will be touring on a festival run for approximately one year.
This film promotes a dialogue surrounding the tough topics of sexual abuse and trauma and focuses on survivors’ resilience and determination in overcoming this horrific crime. The documentary aims to give a voice to sexually abused victims, dispel misconceptions, and empower survivors.
“We are incredibly proud of Tona and her powerful, inspiring advocacy for survivors,” said Carl Maxwell, CEO of the company that produced the film, Vigilance Media. “Her work and that of R.O.S.A. Warriors have been instrumental in bringing attention to this important issue, and we are thrilled to be working with her to amplify the voices of survivors.”
Also part of the crew are Hezekiah Lewis and Caleb Lucky of Villanova University’s Communication Dept., and they generously donated both time and resources to the production.
Seating is limited for this black-tie event. For more information about the documentary and to purchase tickets to the premiere, please visit www. rosawarriors.org or www. TonaBuck.com or 609-3317282.