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The Lifetime docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly” is filled with survivors’ stories of alleged sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Their interviews, alongside those from Kelly’s family and friends, illuminate the ecosystem that have long allowed him to violate Black girls and women. They also include details and imagery that may be triggering for viewers of the show, which premiered last night (January 3).
Me Too Movement creator and organizer Tarana Burke, who appears in the series, tweeted the following tips and resources for survivors of sexual violence to use as the episodes air:
The #SurvivingRKelly documentary three-day event starts tonight. While the material is riveting — it can also be triggering for survivors. Here are some tips for watching this documentary for those who have experienced sexual violence. pic.twitter.com/vkK5cQqkZr
— Me Too (@MeTooMVMT) January 3, 2019
* Decide if you can handle it. There will be first hand accounts of sexual, physical and emotional abuse that may trigger memories or feelings that you would rather not deal with. Don’t feel obligated too. If it feels like too much don’t watch or turn it off when you want to.
— Me Too (@MeTooMVMT) January 3, 2019
* Have a plan for support. Don’t watch alone and try to watch with folks who support your healing and who are affirming in your life. If you have family or friends who victim blame or dismiss your feelings — don’t watch with them.
— Me Too (@MeTooMVMT) January 3, 2019
* Know that help is available. A number of local rape crisis centers have hot lines. You can find many listed at https://t.co/cWLHKzjqLp as well as the national sexual assault hotline 1-800-656-4673.
— Me Too (@MeTooMVMT) January 3, 2019
*Know that you are not alone. There will be thousands of us — survivors of all types watching and silently supporting each other. You are not in this by yourself and there will be folks tweeting and talking about it all over social media. Find a positive forum to join. #metooMVMT
— Me Too (@MeTooMVMT) January 3, 2019
The final four episodes of “Surviving R. Kelly” air tonight (January 5) and tomorrow (January 6).