Breaking Silence (2017)

Sexual abuse, assault, and rape cross all cultural and religious boundaries. Muslim communities throughout America, made up of cultures that stigmatize the very mention of sex-related subjects, suffer from widespread sex abuse. The proliferation of sex abuse is further propagated by the fact that when instances occur, they are often kept secret, either by the victim or her family. The perpetrator is almost never confronted. Breaking Silence aims to take the first steps towards opening up the conversation about the inescapable fact that sexual assault and abuse are prevalent and widespread within the Muslim community. Change is always most effective when it comes from within, and this film will be a driver of such change. Exposing the realities of sexual assault and rape with women opening up on camera will force the community to face the issue head-on. Perpetrators of sexual assault often commit these acts with near impunity, as the hush-hush mentality surrounding sexual assault in the Muslim community decreases the likelihood that they will be confronted. With this film, parents will be forced to consider the idea that their own children might have been victims who remained silent, and offenders will be reminded that their actions have real consequences.