Sexual abuse suffered by men is a sensitive topic not many speak about. Delving into a world where the shadows of male sexual abuse often go unnoticed, Silent Scream by its subject, who calls himself Damian in it, written with Laura Kirsten, breaks the silence.
This poignant memoir sheds light on a journey marked by sexual abuse, addiction, loss, trauma and the incredible resilience that leads to healing.
In the memoir Louw relates his raw truth and journey. Working alongside Kirsten, a resident of Langebaan who is editor and co-author of the book, released in October 2023. According to Louw, while undergoing psychotherapy he was urged by his trauma therapist to start writing his emotions and feelings down in a journal. Ending up with about 70 000 words, he then decided to turn the journal into a book.
“The entire book is raw truth. It was incredibly difficult in certain parts, but vital to the authenticity of the book. The biggest challenge was the fact that I knew my only child, my daughter, will be reading it one day and there are some shocking issues in there that she is not aware of.”
Louw added he wanted readers to recognise their own lives in the book.
“If they are completely honest they will find one or more issues that are pertinent to each individual. I want people to learn from the mistakes I made and to seek help for their own situation sooner than later. Also, they do not feel embarrassed to talk or confide in people they trust. That is the first step to healing.”
Working alongside Kirsten, he referred to her as “an angel, a miracle worker and the most understanding and compassionate person I know.
“Today she knows me better than any person on earth, and we have become extremely close friends. I would not have been able to publish the book if it were not for Laura.”
She described Louw as an extremely hard worker who was incredibly diligent throughout the writing of Silent Scream.
“He would often work right through the night to get his corrected or added notes back to me by the next morning. He was an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Asked why she thought the topic of sexual abuse and trauma experienced by men is so important, Kirsten said for too many years victims of sexual abuse, especially males, struggled with the trauma of child molestation, sexual grooming and rape and kept these horrors to themselves.
“While these deep-rooted evils just ate away at their insides, destroyed their minds and lives, they also had a domino effect on those closest to them. We sincerely hope this book will encourage these victims and survivors to seek help and reveal their hidden truths that hopefully with bring inner peace and healing.”
Louw also made his way from Durban to the West Coast and conducted a talk at the Langebaanweg Air Force Base on Friday 5 April. It focused on creating awareness of male sexual abuse.
He will also give the same talk at SAS Saldanha Naval Base next week.
Silent Scream is available from Exclusive Books, from select Bargain Books and other bookstores nationwide. It is also available for purchase online.
