Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 864

Tonight's special guest is Michael Broussard from Philadelphia, a child abuse survivor with a unique way to be of service and carry the message. In his one-man show, "Ask a Sex Abuse Survivor," Michael Broussard tells the story of a childhood lost to abuse—and rediscovered decades later. Throughout the performance, audience members are encouraged to share their own experiences, ask questions and offer up comments. Thus, "Ask a Sex Abuse Survivor" provides a unique opportunity for an open, interactive dialogue on the effects and causes of abuse. Fellow survivors as well as friends and family members of survivors are encouraged to attend. Each performance is a unique collaboration between the artist and the audience. "Ask a Sex Abuse Survivor" will debut on June 29th, 2014, at the Adrienne Theatre (Playground), 2030 Sansom Street in Philadelphia, as a part of the 2014 SoLow Fest, a do-it yourself festival dedicated to new, experimental work focusing on solo performance with low-maintenance and low-stress. Michael is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted guardian, his stepfather. The resulting trauma and long lasting effects of the experience have colored every part of his life. Every relationship, friendship or romance, has been informed and shaped by the mental and emotional impacts of the abuse. Like many survivors, he struggles daily with panic attacks, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and a host of other challenges. With "Ask a Sex Abuse Survivor", he hopes to reach out to fellow survivors and their friends and families, to share stories, perspectives, comments, and questions, and thus come to a better understanding of the issues surrounding childhood sexual abuse and its aftermath.