Sin by Silence Blog

‘Silence’ gives voice to abused

Oct 29th, 2009 In: Press Sin by Silence Tour By: admin Comments 0

Article from News-Leader in Springfield, MO –

As October, Domestic Violence Awareness month, winds down, there’s a great opportunity tonight to learn more about this pernicious problem.

“Sin by Silence,” a documentary focusing on domestic violence from a survivor’s perspective, will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Landers Theatre in Springfield.

It’s about women sent to prison for killing abusive partners years ago, when options for fighting domestic violence were few, and the problem did not get enough attention.

After the film, a panel discussion will include the film’s director; one of the women featured in the film, who was released from prison in October 2008; Rodney Dwyer, executive director of the Family Violence Center in Springfield; and Kendall Seal, an attorney from Legal Services of Southern Missouri.

The documentary centers on inmates in California and how they started a group called Convicted Women Against Abuse two decades ago. If you’re wondering what that might have to do with you in Missouri today, some statistics might help.

In 2008, according to a Highway Patrol statistical analysis, Missouri experienced 31,632 domestic violence incidents, including 54 homicides.

For the past five years, a special annual report done by Springfield/Greene County civic groups has cited domestic violence as a “red flag.”

The 2009 report says, “Greene County’s domestic violence rate has been nearly double the state average since the 2004 Community Focus report.”

Other statistics from Dwyer, of the Family Violence Center, raise more alarm. In 2008, the center’s shelter provided 24,000 “safe bed” nights and 37,000 meals. In its 32 years of operation, the center estimates it has protected 10,000 women and children.

If you cannot get to the movie tonight and make a donation — proceeds benefit the family center and the Springfield Regional Arts Council — there are other ways to help.

The center always needs cleaning supplies, toilet paper, trash bags, towels, clothes and sheets — and volunteers.

Call 837-7700 or go to the Web site familyviolencecenter.org to learn more.

Most important, though, Dwyer and others say, are these numbers: 417-864-SAFE or 800-831-6863. Share it with anyone who needs help.

It’s not like the old days.

People care.

They will help.

A safe place is not far away.

As October, Domestic Violence Awareness month, winds down, there’s a great opportunity tonight to learn more about this pernicious problem.

“Sin by Silence,” a documentary focusing on domestic violence from a survivor’s perspective, will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Landers Theatre in Springfield.

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Click here to view the article.