TV Reviews : Childhood Abuse: Helping the Survivors

“Healing Sexual Abuse,” the first in KCET’s new “Lifeguides” series (Sunday at 7 p.m. on Channel 28), is not light viewing. It is meant specifically to inform and support survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Some experts estimate such survivors make up 25% or more of the population.

Hosted by therapist Dr. Eliana Gil, author of “Treatment of Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse,” with Ellen Bass, co-author of “The Courage to Heal,” the program offers honest counseling and straight talk from adult victims of child abuse in varying stages of recovery.

The shame and secrecy of abuse carries over into adulthood. Perhaps the most telling moment is seeing a drawing made by a young woman, meant to represent the “bad” girl she thought she must have been for her father to hurt her so much. The tiny, fragile, sad figure she drew was a revelatory truth for her, and an early step toward healing.

Pain and rage are necessary steps in the process, not surprising considering the self-destructive behavior in adults that can often be traced to childhood abuse--eating disorders, suicidal feelings, substance abuse, negative relationships. All are ways to numb emotion. But awakening those feelings is vital, say the experts. “Anger is what gives you the grit to get through it,” Bass says.

The program, which viewers are asked to watch with someone they trust, is being broadcast in conjunction with its release on the home video market.