New Film, 'The Woodsman,' Gives Minnesotans an Opportunity to Discuss and Work to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

New Film, 'The Woodsman,' Gives Minnesotans an Opportunity to Discuss and Work to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Film Starring Kevin Bacon Opens Jan. 14 in the Twin Cities MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- A new film opening this weekend in the Twin Cities will provide Minnesotans with an opportunity to break the silence on an issue that harms hundreds of children in our state each year -- child sexual abuse. The movie "The Woodsman," starring Kevin Bacon, depicts a man named Walter and his desire to be "normal," his anguish over his sexual attraction to children, and his humanity -- while still capturing the damage child sexual abuse causes to victims. "This film is worth seeing, because it will expose many people to the issue of child sexual abuse -- and adults in Minnesota need to educate themselves about the warning signs of someone at risk to sexually abuse a child," said Yvonne Cournoyer, program director, Stop It Now! Minnesota. "We hope this film can act as a 'call to action' for Minnesotans. Child sexual abuse is not inevitable, it's preventable." The movie is showing in Minneapolis at the Lagoon Theatre and in St. Paul at the HarMar Theatre. Cournoyer said the movie portrays the complexity of the issue -- and some of the misconceptions people have about child sexual abuse. "The movie makes the point that often the people who sexually abuse children are not 'monsters,' they are like Walter. If we realize this fact, it will help us to better understand, and therefore prevent, child sexual abuse," said Cournoyer. "People who sexually abuse may be our fathers, brothers, neighbors or friends. Sexual abuse thrives in an atmosphere of silence. We need to shine the lights on a topic that has been shrouded in secrecy and shame so that families, children who have been abused and people who have abused can get help, be accountable for their actions, heal and lead healthier lives." Cournoyer said the people who have abused seen in the movie (Walter and Candy) are the exception -- people who find victims in parks or shopping malls. The people who have abused the film does not show on screen (Robin's father, Vickie's brothers) are far more common. In fact, 90 percent of the time children are sexually abused by someone they know. "If we want to help ensure our kids are safe, it is important for all Minnesotans in all communities to start talking about the issue of child sexual abuse, and the role that each individual can play in preventing it," said Cournoyer. Help is available for Minnesotans. If adults are concerned with their own or someone else's sexual feelings or behaviors toward children, they can call Stop It Now! Minnesota's 1-888-PREVENT helpline (1-888-773-8368). Stop It Now! also has information brochures that outline the warning signs of abuse. Stop It Now! Minnesota's goal is educate adults about ways to take action to prevent child sexual abuse. More information is available at http://www.stopitnow.org/mn . Source: Stop It Now! Minnesota CONTACT: Yvonne Cournoyer of Stop It Now! Minnesota, +1-651-644-8515, mobile: +1-612-590-3115 Web site: http://www.stopitnow.org/mn ------- Profile: International Entertainment