Twins: Abandoned and Abused
Monday, September 26, 2011
Anderson also speaks with the twins’ mother, who is currently serving sixteen years in prison for knowing about the abuse and doing nothing to stop it. Anderson talks with Kristen and Will about remaining resilient through such horrific circumstances, and their current outlook on life… and what they see for their future.
Community Question
How did the unimaginable strength and resilience of Kristen and Will’s character speak to you?
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Comments
I watched the episode with Will& Kristen Stillman, and i was definitely both Touched and Appalled by this this story. I would like to Commend both of them for having the Courage, Strength, perseverence, and Determination to "Not Allow Their Souls To Be Consumed" by this ordeal that would have certainly led many to become Menace's to Society. In my opinion, it is so important for the public to hear about these kind of stories; It disturbs me Deeply to know that there are people out there who are Heartless, and Callous enough to do these things to innocent children. The interview with the mom was a Tradgedy in itself! It is just so difficult to watch&listen to a person convey no "Heartfelt Remorse" for what they did, and allowed to happen to their own children; it's truly sad, and Scary. I would like to thank you Anderson for bringing this issue to the front row for everybody to see. I would also like to wish the Stillman's the "Very Best" as they try to move forward and make the best of what's left of their lives. Right now, i think that you Represent the "Very Finest" that TV has to offer! Keep up the Good work! Sincerely
I watched the episode entitled "A Story Of Triumph Over Unimaginable Abuse" which featured the saga of Will&Kristen Stillman. I have to admit that i was definitely both Touched, and Appalled by this story. I would like to Commend both of them for having the Courage, Strength, Perseverance, and Determination to "Not Allow Their Souls To Be Consumed" by this ordeal that would have certainly led many others to become a "Menace To Society." In my opinion, it is so important for the public to hear about these kind of stories; It disturbs me Deeply to know that there are people out there who are Heartless, and Callous enough to do these things to innocent children. The interview with the mom was a Tradgedy in itself! It is just so difficult to watch and listen to a parent convey no "Heartfelt Remorse" for what she did, and allowed to happen to her own children; it's truly sad,and Scary. I would like to thank you Anderson for bringing stories like this to the Front Row for everyone to see. I would also like to wish the Stillman's the "Very Best" as they try to move forward and make the best of what's left of their lives. Right now Anderson, i think that you Represent the "Very Finest" that TV has to offer! Keep up the Good work! Sincerely
Oh, god, this country has so much of this abuse within family where these kids needs to be looked after... What Americans do not understand is that, in some countries, the culture teaches to behave in a certain way among family members.... Why are people in effective in learning how to behave..
I record Anderson because I am not always home during the day to watch. Wow... such an amazing show (my new Oprah!). This episode spoke to me as a future teacher. I will be graduating this spring and will be working with children everyday. I want to remember their story so that I will keep my eyes open. Keep my eyes open so that no child will have to suffer. I will be working in some of the worst inner-city schools and every child should have a non-abusive childhood. If you see something, say something.
I would just like to tell Will & Kristen "thank You". Thank you for the courage to sit on national television and tell your story. Yes, we as an audience see it as horrific and shameful however you lived it and to tell the story you must re-live and re-think those horrible/painful memories. Your courage and strength that got you two through this shone brightly in this episode, Love, peace and health for you in life.
OMG, I almost erased this episode, the previews scared me and I didn't want to watch such a sad story. Before I erased it I decided to watch just a little bit of it to see just how bad it was. I'm so glad I didn't erase it, their experience was horrific. They make me want to be sure to always speak up and pay more attention. You never know what is going on behind closed doors. They are so brave to tell their heart breaking story. Even though I cried hearing their story, I'm glad I watched it. I pray they can accomplish all of their dreams, they deserve so much. I would gladly share my good mom with them. Your helping them tell their story was very well done, I won't consider erasing a episode again even if the subject may be difficult to face.
The sadness is overwhelming for these to indivduals who had to go through this. But seeing there face when the Detective came through for them made me smile. Looking at him also, he smiles with his eyes, but you can tell he has sad eyes. He has seen so much. Being married once to a police man its a tough job. Sometimes saying thank you is just not enough sometimes. I wish the brother and sister all the best in there life, they will be in my prayers and the Detective who went on the journey with them.
Abuse, sexual and physical happens much more than people realize. I was raised in an abusive environment, along with my sisters. I am proud to say that I have broken that cycle in my family. My sister did not have such luck, she later got involved heavily into drugs, and continues to be in an abusive relationship with her husband. It becomes a vicious cycle for many. I also work in a public school and we see abuse cases all the time. It is very sad for a person such as me that cares so much for innocent children to see that many times nothing is done when there is a known case of abuse. What is even more sad is that for the known abuse cases, there are many that are unknown. The problem with abuse, especially, sexual is that many times it is hidden, and the shame keeps the victim from seeking help. Something needs to be done where the abusive parents or guardians are not given chance after chance with their child, while that child is suffering through abuse. There have been at least three cases in my state, whereas a child that was taken away from an abusive home was later put back in that same environment only to be abused again, and eventually those children died from the abusive hands of their parent. The system needs to be changed, and there needs to be more awareness.
I can't believe that the mother of the twins is only serving 16 years for the abuse that she has put these two human beings through....It is disgusting...unreal....when I watched the show...I am so glad that the twins were able to get away...but to have memories of their childhood like they do...I give them praise for getting through it, and supporting each other....how awful....my thoughts go out to them...and hope they succeed in life, and make great memories for themselves.
I cannot comprehense how things like these could happen in the modern society. I don't understand how can we call ourselves developed while there are stories like this still take place.
I really like someone to tell me where I can watch the full episode
I really enjoy your new show whenever I get a chance to watch it. I did see it yesterday with Kristen and Will Stillman. I would like for you to do a follow-up on this brother-sister team at some time in the future as they progress. They'll need lots of help and keep up their strong endurance. Anderson, you did a wonderful interview which touched the heart of this terrible situation kristen and will were in. marianne.
I spoke in VOLUMNS! We as a society need to pay more attention to things such as this. When a child is being abused like these to young adults were as child, we need to stop and think. The system fail to see this and for that we must be more vigilant! How many more children in the world are facing the exact same thing and no one is coming to their rescue!
Kristin and Will are a true testiment to human resilience. They are traveling a path of being victims to being a survivor and I pray that journey comes swiftly for them. I am an investigator for children's services and I can tell anyone out there that every state and every county has a hotline that people can call to report incidents of alleged child abuse or neglect and the workers answering the phone is the one to make the decision whether it needs to be further investigated. Also as a society, we have an obligation to report, some more than others. For instance, the teacher, the police officer, a nurse, a doctor, a clergy, a social worker, a therapist, etc. If you think a child is being abused, please do not hesitate to get involved. There are people who are trained to deal with and help children of abuse. Yes sometimes the system makes a mistake and acts too quickly, but it is all about the safety and protection of a child. I'd rather protect a child now versus leaving a child in a home where the abuse continues. My heart goes out to Kristin and Will and hope they find peace in their lives.
Where can I watch the full episode?