Amish Survivor Turns Pain into PBS Documentary and Hope

After enduring years of sexual abuse as a young teenager in Minnesota's Swatzentruber Amish community, Lizzie Hershberger made a courageous choice: she would speak out instead of keeping quiet.

Her journey from survivor to advocate has culminated in "Keep Quiet and Forgive," a PBS Independent Lens documentary premiering nationally this March. The film chronicles her transformation from a traumatized teen into a powerful voice for abuse survivors everywhere.

The documentary took six years to create, far longer than the initial one or two years planned. Filming began in September 2019 and wrapped in March 2025, capturing genuine moments from Hershberger's life without scripts or acting.

"They never told me what to say," Hershberger explained. "I tried to be natural and just be myself."

The filming process included sensitive court appearances and long production days, some stretching from dawn until 10 p.m. Through it all, Hershberger repeatedly shared her painful story while continuing her advocacy work.

Hershberger first shared her experience in her memoir "Behind Blue Curtains." Now the documentary brings her message to an even wider audience, showing that survivors don't have to forgive and forget.

She's careful to emphasize that her experience doesn't represent all Amish communities. "There are wonderful people," she said. "I'm glad I grew up Amish." She still treasures many Amish traditions, from canning to hanging laundry on the line.

Looking back, Hershberger wishes she had sought more counseling during the intense filming process. She hopes sharing this reflection will help others prioritize their mental health while doing difficult advocacy work.

Why This Inspires: Hershberger turned her trauma into purpose, creating resources that give other survivors permission to speak up. By sharing her story publicly, she's breaking cycles of silence that allow abuse to continue. Her courage proves that one voice can spark enormous change.

The documentary screens locally at Spring Grove Cinema from March 20 to 22, with Q&A sessions after each showing. It premieres nationally on PBS on March 23 at 8 p.m. Central.

Hershberger continues her advocacy work and is currently writing a children's book, extending her impact to help protect the next generation.

Her message is clear: survivors deserve support, not silence.