And the award for best portrayal of a sexually sensitive subject this week goes to…

Criminal Mind: Restoration. [Spoiler Alert]

In the latest installment of a long running backstory involving agent Derrick Morgan being the victim of childhood molestation/rape by a respected coach and community leader, another victim is found to be committing murders centered around the past victimization of both himself and his young son.

This backstory has been one of my favorites throughout the show and came during a time of many shows with strong, multidimensional, resilient, perfectly flawed male-characters were allowing storylines that admitted victimization without shame. Media finally took the long awaited step of breaking down the barrier of silence that involves males who have suffered abuse in their past and letting them not only tell their stories, but to be vulnerable.

This episode takes it one step further and shows that victimization and trauma CAN and often DOES run in families and happen multiple times to people very close. It shows how many people who have kept silent can be supported when even a single person speaks up and allows for a father, well into his adulthood, to share a bonding moment of survivors of abuse that to this date I don’t believe I’ve ever witnessed on tv. A father and son, who have both been raped and victimized embracing and being vulnerable, right there on the screen. 

Morgan goes so far as to make a poignant and beautiful speech to reach out to all victims of childhood sexual abuse, revealing his own past trauma and letting them know that they are not alone, they are not monsters, they are not doomed to a life of violence, shame and further victimization- but yes they will be changed. We have all been changed and there will be effects from that trauma.

Additionally, a cop who didn’t understand what was wrong with the many kids he arrested in their youths, takes many chances to apologize for not seeing who was really hurting and to try and remedy it as best as he can. Derrick Morgan is a perfect representation of Post Traumatic Growth, and good on Criminal Minds for doing a standup job of representing sexual abuses effect upon adults, men and the community at large in such an honest way while still being interesting and entertaining enough to watch.