It look's like you don't have Adobe Flash Player installed. Get it now.
Domestic violence affects numerous women and families, often times going unnoticed until it is too late. As a result, many women have taken steps they felt were necessary to save their own lives. The documentary, “Sin by Silence” examines the stories of women who are in prison or have served time for killing their abuser. This film will be shown in Springfield on October 28th and 29th. KSMU’s Theresa Carter reports.
As many as 4 million women die each year at the hands of their partner or spouse. While those cases might make headlines, there are many more cases of domestic violence that go unnoticed and unreported. Sometimes, it’s not the abuse victim who ends up dead...sometimes it’s the abuser. As many as 4500 women are currently incarcerated for killing their abusive partner. “Sin by Silence” is a documentary that was intended to bring this story to light. Olivia Klaus, producer of the film, explains what inspired her to pursue this topic.
"I used to be under the impression that domestic violence happens to other people. It wouldn't happen to me, my family, friends, or my circle of influence. And 8 years ago I got a call from a friend, one I thought that I knew well. She was letting me in on the pain that was going on behind closed doors with her and her husband. That sent me on this journey of what I needed to do."
Victims of domestic violence don’t fit any particular stereotype...it happens to women of all ages, races and economic backgrounds. Men, although under-reported, also can become victims of domestic abuse at the hands of a spouse or partner.
"These are stories of women that could be my mother, my grandmother, or even myself. Domestic violence knows no boundaries. It can affect anyone and everyone.'
Klaus’ documentary features victims who felt they had no choice but to kill their abusers to protect themselves and their families. One of those featured in Klaus’ film is Brenda Clubine. She was released October of 2008 after serving 26 years in prison. Clubine is the founder of CWAA (Convicted Women Against Abuse).
Clubine says that one of the most important things victims of abuse need to understand is that they are not alone.
"Basically what it was, was that I felt alone. I felt helpless and hopeless, and did not understand why I was everybody's victim in my life. And then, as I tried to figure out why while doing research, I began hearing 'my story' from other women. I kept thinking, 'How does she know what I am feeling? I am not alone afterall!' That helped to be the catalyst for me to start CWAA."
Crimes involving domestic abuse victims striking back or even killing their abuser are not given special consideration in the court system. Recently in Missouri, 3 women serving sentences for killing their alleged abusers were denied parole. In talking about her own experience, Clubine says that until there is more education and awareness about domestic abuse, she believes victims are further victimized by the legal system.
"You know the same thing happened to me 28 days before I went to court and was released. A parole board told me that I was an unpredictable threat to society. They had denied me parole for 2 more years!"
Education is the key to helping women understand when they may be in an abusive relationship. Clubine says there’s a need for better services for victims of domestic abuse, and a need for some legislative changes. She explains that abusive situations don’t happen overnight, they develop over time. She further cautions women to be aware of the subtle clues that a partner is abusive such as; isolating them from family and friends, controlling their money, time, and whereabouts, and becoming progressively manipulative.
“Sin by Silence” will be shown twice here in Springfield: Wednesday, October 28th at the Lander’s Theatre and Thursday, October 29th at Evangel University. It will play both days at 7PM. The screenings are free and open to the public.
Click here for a link to more information about the documentary.
For KSMU News, I’m Theresa Carter.
