Documentary Style
TopicalKeep Quiet and Forgive
Rare access to Amish and Mennonite sexual abuse survivors breaking decades of silence. Based on investigative journalism exposing systemic abuse and the courage to seek justice.
Year
2026
Type
film
Runtime
90 min
Language
English
Director
Jessie Deeter, Sarah McClure
Genres
Summary
Thirty years after being raped, Lizzie Hershberger breaks the silence protecting abusers in her Amish community. Victims are told to "keep quiet and forgive."
Based on journalist Sarah McClure's investigation, this documentary follows Lizzie leading a survivor movement. Filmed over five years, the film introduces survivors from multiple communities: Menno, who lost his family; Ruth, pressured to drop charges; Dena, who co-founded Voices of Hope. As stories emerge, the film reveals systemic abuse across Amish and Mennonite fellowships. Perpetrator audio recordings expose disturbing justifications used to silence victims.
How insular religious communities protect abusers, and the courage required to seek justice when it means losing everything.