Domestic Violence Survivor Channels Grief into Creativity
Born in New Orleans in 1969, Perry experienced physical abuse by his father and sexual abuse by a family friend.
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October 13, 2009
Actor and author Tyler Perry is an executive producer of the upcoming movie Precious - about a Harlem girl who is abused - and he has recently revealed that he also faced domestic violence as a child.
Born in New Orleans in 1969, Perry experienced physical abuse by his father and sexual abuse by a family friend. Yet, he managed to overcome his pain and thrive, authoring 11 stage plays - some of which have been adapted into films - and earning numerous awards and millions of dollars.
Now, at the age of 40 he has decided to share his story and show that the rough experiences have failed to leave him embittered.
"I have to take on the responsibility of forgiving all of those people," he said, quoted by The Star Ledger.
"I owe it to that little boy that I was and, more than that, I owe it to the man that I am," he added.
During the current Domestic Violence Awareness Month it may be worth remembering that some 5.8 million children in the U.S. were reported to be abused in 2007.
Individuals affected by this crime as well as survivors coping with pain may access valuable resources through ChildHelp, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, as well as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, both of which accept donations.
Actor and author Tyler Perry is an executive producer of the upcoming movie Precious - about a Harlem girl who is abused - and he has recently revealed that he also faced domestic violence as a child.
Born in New Orleans in 1969, Perry experienced physical abuse by his father and sexual abuse by a family friend. Yet, he managed to overcome his pain and thrive, authoring 11 stage plays - some of which have been adapted into films - and earning numerous awards and millions of dollars.
Now, at the age of 40 he has decided to share his story and show that the rough experiences have failed to leave him embittered.
"I have to take on the responsibility of forgiving all of those people," he said, quoted by The Star Ledger.
"I owe it to that little boy that I was and, more than that, I owe it to the man that I am," he added.
During the current Domestic Violence Awareness Month it may be worth remembering that some 5.8 million children in the U.S. were reported to be abused in 2007.
Individuals affected by this crime as well as survivors coping with pain may access valuable resources through ChildHelp, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, as well as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, both of which accept donations.
