"As I listened to Detective Rick Labell of the Raymond Police Department share his story of family alcohol and sexual abuse, saying he uses his knowledge and experience to help kids who are abused, I thought I might be able to do the same thing.  I got in my car, found a scrap piece of paper and started writing," said Cram.  The images from her childhood came rapidly to her mind and she wrote them down as if writing simple captions for a photo series.  That 10 minute writing spree was published in the Portsmouth Herald the next day under the headline ‘We Need to Talk About Abuse’.  It seemed like such a simple thing to get the word out about her experiences and she hoped that it would help others going through similar struggles.

Each memory began with the word “Click”, an accurate lead in for images that would linger for a long time.  “Click: I remember hiding under a coffee table when I was around 3; I held tight to my dog while crying and watching my brother — just 6 — hold a gun to my father and try to make him stop beating my mother.” One of seven memories described in the piece.   The response to the article was overwhelming.  Cram’s email and Facebook account was flooded with messages.  Many were inspired by her courage to come forward about her experiences.   

The article also brought much needed attention to SASS.  “After Deb published her piece we received many phone calls from people that had no idea we existed.  We have been able to help people that might not have reached out before,” explains Kathy Beebe, Executive Director of SASS.

With the help of good friend and Director Lars Trodson, Cram will be bringing “We Need to Talk About Abuse” to the stage as part of ScreenWright Playhouse's first season.  The piece, ‘Click’ includes more memories from Cram’s life and will encourage audience participation.  “I'll do a monologue and then there will be a Q&A afterwards. SASS and a Safe Place will also be involved. It will be an event to raise money for those organizations as well as PPMtv. It is being filmed in high definition for future considerations,” said Cram.  This is one night of theater not to be missed.

‘Click’ will run for one night only Tuesday, December 4 at 7:30pm at The Seacoast Repertory Theater.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.seacoastrep.org or by calling 603.433.4472.  Proceeds will benefit SASS, A Safe Place and PPMtv.