A powerful new documentary, “Scars: Surviving a Stabbing,” directed by Aodh Breathnatch, a survivor of a brutal stabbing incident himself, has been released to highlight the harrowing consequences of knife crime. The film, available on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, features interviews with victims of stabbings, including anti-knife crime campaigner Jasper Tait-Williams, as they share their experiences and delve into the physical and emotional scars left by such violence.
Breathnatch, who was stabbed five times in Bristol eight years ago, rarely discussed the trauma he endured. However, in “Scars: Surviving a Stabbing,” he bravely opens up about his own experience and seeks to understand how others have coped with similar traumas. By sharing their stories, the documentary aims to shed light on the long-lasting effects of knife crime on individuals’ mental health and overall well-being.
One of the individuals Breathnatch had the opportunity to meet during the making of the documentary is Jasper Tait-Williams, who runs Put The Knives Down Gloucester, an anti-knife crime campaign. Tait-Williams, who was also a victim of a stabbing, discusses his personal journey and his tireless efforts to remove knives from his local community. Participating in the documentary allows him to spread his message to a wider audience and raise awareness about the urgent need to address this issue.
“Scars: Surviving a Stabbing” doesn’t shy away from the physical and emotional toll that knife crime takes on its victims. Tait-Williams candidly shares the challenges he faced after being stabbed in the face, including difficulties with eating and constant drowsiness caused by medications. He also reveals the deep emotional turmoil he experienced, grappling with the deformity to his face and the feelings of isolation and overwhelm that came with it.
The documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of knife crime and the urgent need to tackle this issue. By amplifying the voices of survivors, “Scars: Surviving a Stabbing” provides a platform for them to share their experiences and raise awareness about the devastating consequences of such violence. Through exploring the physical and emotional scars left by knife attacks, the film aims to create a greater understanding of the trauma endured by victims and the importance of prevention and support for those affected.