LIHU‘E — The documentary film “Telling Amy’s Story” will highlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities today at Kaua‘i Community College, with a panel discussion to relate the issues to the local community. The video will be screened from 2 to
LIHU‘E — The documentary film “Telling Amy’s Story” will highlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities today at Kaua‘i Community College, with a panel discussion to relate the issues to the local community.
The video will be screened from 2 to 4 p.m. in KCC’s OCET Building, room 106. It portrays failures that led to the death of a continuously abused young woman, with lessons on how to prevent a reoccurrence in our own communities.
“By attending this movie and panel discussion you will think twice before dismissing a person with visible signs of isolation, fear and abuse,” said Frances Dinnan, a KCC counselor and coordinator of the Preventing Violence Against Women Task Force. “Anyone can become a more active observer, listener and speaker to stop domestic violence and save a life.”
The panel will include Kaua‘i Police Department Community Relations Sgt. Roderick Green; YWCA of Kaua‘i Shelter Coordinator Kathy Friere; and a representative from the County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
The film shows how her husband’s control and anger issues spilled into Amy’s workplace, and how co-workers, family and friends did not know how to help. The panel will illustrate these lessons to show how agencies have adapted to help improve the outcome for other potential victims who reach out for help from domestic violence including prevention and support.
“No one wants to talk about domestic violence but we all know it exists, Dinnan added.
“From the panel discussion you will become aware of what is being done and begin the dialog on how can we, as a community, can better respond to DV.”
The video is hosted by actress Mariska Hargitay, who was inspired by her role on NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” to become an activist and victims advocate in the area of domestic violence. She went on to found the Joyful Heart Foundation, which offers retreats and community programs for survivors of abuse and the professionals who care for them.
The video commentators include Sheryl Cates, the CEO of Texas Council on Family Violence, which operates the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and the Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.
The program also features commentary from Detective Deirdri Fishel, a national court-recognized expert on domestic violence.
She is tasked with investigating, coordinating, prosecuting and responding to domestic violence and stalking crimes throughout the county.
Hawai‘i Public Television said the program has aired twice in recent years but is not scheduled to air in 2012. The video is available through Facebook and YouTube under “Telling Amy’s Story” and at http://telling.psu.edu/index.html.
Space is limited to 80 people, and reservations are recommended to attend the film and panel at 245-8212.
