Sin by Silence Blog

22 Women in Cleveland

Mar 24th, 2009 In: Director's Notes By: admin Comments 0

Last night I had an amazing opportunity to screen the film with the Domestic Violence Center‘s shelter in Cleveland and my life will forever be changed.  22 women were able to hear the message of Sin by Silence and the women of Convicted Women Against Abuse.  22 women have finally realized that they made the right choice in leaving their abusive relationships.  22 women no longer feel guilty.  22 women whose children will no longer be raised in an abusive environment.

But, what really hit home to me was a woman that I sat next to after the film.  She had tears in her eyes and started to share with me how she had just arrived at the shelter three days earlier.  Her pain was so new and fresh that I really didn’t know what to do except give her a hug.  She continued to share with me that the night she left she had thoughts about killing her husband.  She had already laid out the knives and was waiting for him to return home.  And something inside her told her to leave.  Told her to run.  Told her to get out of that house and leave it all behind.  Three days later she was miraculously with us watching Sin by Silence; and no longer had to feel guilty about her decision to leave.

The tears continued as we talked about the obstacles she now faces on her own.  I continued to comfort her as we both cried with emotions I can barely describe.  I was talking with a women who could have easily become a member of Convicted Women Against Abuse.  She could have easily taken the path they took.  But, she decided not to and can finally feel the empowerment of her decision.

I will never forget last night, and I know the 22 women I met will not either.  As we continue to take this film to more shelters and communities I know that we will are making a difference.  We will are helping women let go of the guilt from their decision to leave.  We will are changing lives!