TLC ANNOUNCES BREAKING THE SILENCE, A NEW DOCUMENTARY CONFRONTING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DARKNESS TO LIGHT AND RAINN

- Hour-Long Special Airs Sunday, August 30th at 10/9c -

(Silver Spring, MD) - An estimated one in ten children will be the victim of sexual abuse before the age of 18. In light of recent events around 19 Kids and Counting - and in an effort to promote education, raise awareness and advance the conversation on this important matter - TLC has partnered with two of the nation's leading abuse prevention organizations, RAINN and Darkness to Light, on a new documentary addressing the issue.

BREAKING THE SILENCE will air commercial-free on Sunday, August 30th at 10/9c and shine a light on the challenging journey faced by those affected by child sexual abuse, as well as offer useful information where people can turn for help. The documentary is part of a multi-platform partnership between TLC, RAINN and Darkness to Light that will include ongoing Public Service Announcements and information at TLC.com/BeTheVoice containing access to important resources, experts and easy tools to support pending legislation.

The one-hour documentary is built around the personal and emotional stories of brave survivors who have found the courage to come forward. Among them is Erin Merryn - a mom and two time survivor, who is determined to put an end to abuse with "Erin's Law," legislation that has been passed in 26 states and makes age-appropriate curriculum on personal body safety mandatory for children in schools. Also sharing her story is Terrae Lee, who was sexually abused when she was 11-years-old and is now a vocal advocate for victims, co-founding the Young Survivor's Foundation, a group offering help to others. It includes David Moody, a successful businessman who, after 45 years of harboring a painful secret, now counsels at-risk youth. And it tells the remarkable story of 11-year-old Kaelin, a brave survivor who is already channeling her pain into public speaking and education.

Viewers will also hear from experts, including a prevention training conducted by Darkness to Light, attended by Jill and Jessa, of the Duggar family, who want to use their situation to help others and promote adult education for the protection of children. And it will highlight the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN which provides free, confidential support to those impacted by sexual abuse 24/7.

The true prevalence of child sexual abuse is difficult to calculate, as most victims do not disclose their experiences. It's a silent epidemic, where open and honest discussion about its effect on the estimated 42 million survivors in America today is rarely heard. BREAKING THE SILENCE shows us how we all play a pivotal role in recognizing the signs of child abuse and preventing it - and teaching children that there are anonymous, safe places they can go to for help so they don't suffer in silence.

BREAKING THE SILENCE is produced by NBC News' Peacock Productions for TLC.

About Darkness to Light

Founded in 2000, Darkness to Light (D2L) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to empower people to prevent child sexual abuse. Our work is guided by our vision to create a world for children where child sexual abuse does not exist. We believe protecting children is an adult responsibility and that education is critical for prevention efforts as well as a catalyst for larger cultural change. Our immediate focus is to make child sexual abuse prevention a national priority. We work to end child sexual abuse by educating, raising awareness, sharing resources and through fostering a network of committed prevention advocates. Through our Stewards of Children(R) program, Darkness to Light has trained nearly one million adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. To find out more about Darkness to Light please visit www.D2L.org/BeTheVoice.

About RAINN

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of "America's 100 Best Charities" by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. In 2015, the Online Hotline expanded to offer services in Spanish at rainn.org/es. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.

About Erin's Law

Erin's Law will educate children in public schools on sexual abuse prevention through age appropriate curriculum through role plays, discussions, activities, and books giving children the tools to speak up and tell if anyone has ever touched them inappropriately rather than keep it a secret. Educating children on safe touch, unsafe touch, safe secrets, and unsafe secrets, how to get away and tell today. The same way we teach children on bully intervention, stranger danger, internet safety, and DARE yet we fail to give them a voice if someone is violating them. Unfortunately without being educated most children will be repeatedly abused for years because often the only message they get comes from their abuser threatening them into silence. Erin's mission is to shatter the silence and stigma around sexual abuse and educate children and empower them with their voice. Erin's Law also requires educators to be trained on the prevention of child sexual abuse. Erin Merryn is on a national crusade going state to state passing Erin's Law with the goal to get all 50 states teaching it.

About TLC

Offering remarkably relatable real-life stories without judgment, the network celebrates the reality that "everyone needs a little TLC." TLC's hit series share everyday heart, humor, hope, and human connection with programming genres that include fascinating families, heartwarming transformations, and life's milestone moments such as wedding-themed programs anchored by Say Yes To The Dress. In 2014, TLC was a top 10 cable network with women, with 30 series averaging 1 million P2+ viewers or more, including two series that averaged 3 million P2+ viewers or more.

TLC is a global brand available in more than 95 million homes in the US and 303 million households in 190 markets internationally. A destination online, TLC.com offers in-depth fan sites and exclusive original video content. Fans can also interact with TLC through social media on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and @TLC on Twitter as well as On Demand services, YouTube and mobile platforms. TLC is part of Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the world's #1 pay-TV programmer reaching nearly 3 billion cumulative subscribers in 220 countries and territories.