Backroom Deals

Many sexual abuse victims have a difficult time substantiating their childhood molestation as fact, because the entire ordeal is shrouded in lies, secrecy and denial. From the cruel and sadistic life threatening demands made by the perpetrator, to the unhinged denials of the non-perpetrators, the victim is forced to mute their cries. Without physical and emotional corroboration from supportive adults, the child’s doubt becomes fixed, the truth obscured, and a backroom deal is made.

The song from the Broadway musical Hamilton, written by Lin- Manuel Miranda, raises the question of accountability when, “No one else was in the room where it happened.”

This piece honors all innocent children who carry the physical blows of assault and abuse in their adult bodies.