Acclaimed Documentary Film, 'Swift Current', Brings Impact of Child Abuse to A National Level

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Nov. 17, 2015) - The Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre is proud to support the world broadcast premiere of the thought-provoking documentary film, Swift Current, which is scheduled to air on Global Television Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 9 p.m. EST. The film sheds light on the trauma and impact of child abuse and highlights the importance of working together to support and protect our youngest citizens.

Swift Current, directed, produced and co-written by Joshua Rofé, tells the narrative of Sheldon Kennedy and his gut-wrenching story of sexual abuse at the hands of his former hockey coach, Graham James, the sexual predator whose behaviour was ignored through two Western League coaching stints and one in Europe. The documentary also profiles two young people whose experiences led them to connect with Sheldon and his message.

"The film sheds light on the need to protect our most vulnerable population from the fear, shame and trauma associated with child abuse and empowers Canadians to take action against such injustices," said Sheldon Kennedy. "With 97 per cent of children knowing their abusers, Child Advocacy Centres across Canada are instrumental in the rehabilitation of impacted youth and the support, awareness and education of the public is vital to their continued efforts."

Kennedy has become a vocal champion to millions of abuse survivors around the world and a committed, outspoken child advocate. In recognition of his tireless efforts, he was given the namesake of the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre, which brings together the necessary resources to help children, youth and families impacted by abuse. At the Centre, 8 out of 10 cases are assessed by a multi-disciplinary team, an integrated approach that makes it easier for victims to share information and begin the healing process.

"The Canadian premiere of Swift Current provides an opportunity to bring a solution-focused conversation about child abuse to a national level," said Bonnie Johnston, CEO, Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre. "The film will be used as a tool to teach front-line service providers, policy-makers and organizational leaders across disciplines about child abuse and trauma, the impact on brain development, and how to support health and recovery."

With 1 in 3 Canadians reporting some form of child abuse, the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre sees an average of 123 cases per month. Of these cases, more than 65 per cent are under the age of 12, only further attesting how vital and necessary these integrated centres are.

For additional information about the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre, please visit sheldonkennedycac.ca. To request or book a screening of Swift Current in your workplace, organization or school, please visit www.swiftcurrentdoc.com.

Social Media Links:

Twitter:

@SKCAC

@ShelKenn

@Global_TV

@ShawMediaTV_PR

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SheldonKennedyChildAdvocacyCentre

http://www.facebook.com/globaltelevision

About the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre

The Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre is setting a new standard for how current systems respond to the issue of child abuse, and to abused children and their families in Calgary and surrounding communities. By bringing together more than 105 professionals, as well as government and corporate and community champions, we are able to address Southern Alberta's most severe and complex cases of child physical and sexual abuse. Since the Centre opened its doors in April 2013 to July 31, 2015, the Centre has assessed 3,455 infants, children and youth - 123 per month.