Relative

While I always find myself lost in immeasurable awe and overwhelming joy after experiencing yet another miracle in my life, sometimes I also find healing and growth. Coming upon "Relative" and having such a connection to the story changed how I process my most significant, however my most minor, incident of sexual abuse. Because the abuse wasn't violent, wasn't ongoing and didn't go to the extremes that many, many other little girls have endured, I felt hesitant to claim it. I really almost felt guilt and shame to even speak it out as abuse. But it was at the hand of the greatest man I have ever known, the most wonderful man ever, my hero, my daddy. I've carried this with me ever since and watching this film was therapy for me. Free therapy for a change and I am eternally grateful for the healing and new perspective it has given me, as well as a new friend Once again, I am filled with gratitude for something that just falls into place, like coming across a film that changes shape of something ugly I have been carrying deep inside for 40 years into something I can carry without shame and hopefully be able to share with others. This one thing, I believe, is all that matters in this world. Looks like someone else does also and I thank her for putting herself and her entire family out there to help the rest of us.

This documentary absolutely moved me in ways I can't even put into words. So grateful for people like Tracey. She is an absolute hero in my eyes. I'm a truth giver, and I had so much in common with her and this documentary. It's a must watch!!!! Watching her tell her story was a true inspiration. In this documentary You find yourself relating your story with hers especially, if you've gone through it, and it helps you heal in ways by listening to others tell their story. I give this documentary a 10/10! I'm so happy I stumbled upon it. It was so meant to be. The next day I reflected back on my story, and what I went through and I can't express this enough. This documentary helped me so much.

And what happens when everyone keeps quiet. Avoidance of talking about traumatic events creates a disconnection, leaving the lone person who's willing to speak up feel isolated and disconnected.

If everyone around you is saiyng 'it's no big deal', then part of you will begin to question yourself and wonder if YOU'RE the one making it a big deal.

I congratulate Tracey for being brave enough to confront her family and get them to talk. Especially her mother who, in this film just wants to move on (complete avoidance). Her grandmother and great aunts share more and other family members support Tracey as she moves through her healing with a therapist and the help of her family.

The person who gave this 1 star has cleary never had to deal with this level of trauma. It's hard enough to discuss these things in private but to make a FILM that the whole world can see take a whole other level of fortitude, bravery, and strength. The humiliation you feel when you've been violated can be debilitating. So, please read the 10 star reviews. They are more empathic.

I was moved deeply by this documentary. Powerful. Necessary. It was vulnerable, tasteful, cutting, stirring. It is important to watch, because we need to be aware, discerning, and look out for children and the vulnerable. Tracey spearheaded disclosure, empowering family to participate also. Amazing work. Thank you for making this! Thank you for your courage!

It is amazing to see the abuse by men in situations with a power differential. Where this exists - power differential - there is vulnerability. We need to protect people from themselves (like leaving older kids with younger), and we need to protect people from others.

This film, while difficult to watch at times because of subject matter, is needed. It depicted the complex layers that truth tellers/change makers face after being honest with their family about their trauma. Seeing the effects of patriarchy and sexual abuse on this Italian-Americans hit close to home. The relationship with the older generations, and hearing them speak their truths for the first time was tremendous. This film was well-done and ended in an unexpected way that will stay with me. This film makes me wish I could sit with the older generations of my family and ask the hard questions. It also inspires me to have open, deep dialogue with my three daughters, my nieces and nephews, my friend's children on sexual safety. Tracy's bravery inspires me to be brave.