By Olivia Klaus
From behind prison walls, a group of extraordinary women are shattering misconceptions of domestic violence. An important new release that profiles Convicted Women Against Abuse (CWAA), the first group initiated and led by inmates in the US prison system, SIN BY SILENCE is an essential tool, featuring more than two hours of DVD extras, including bonus discussion videos, additional behind-the-scenes stories from the women in the film, interviews with experts on domestic violence, and more.
Created by Brenda Clubine in 1989, CWAA has changed laws for battered women, raised awareness for those on the outside, and educated a system that does not fully comprehend the complexities of domestic abuse. Like many CWAA members, Brenda's years of inflicted abuse were never fully revealed. But because of CWAA's work and advocacy, new laws were enacted that now allow incarcerated survivors to challenge their original conviction.
With unprecedented access inside the California Institution for Women, SIN BY SILENCE is an emotionally packed documentary that tells the personal and shocking stories of these courageous women who have learned from their past, are changing their future, and teaching us how domestic violence affects each and every person.
Reviews
~ "Shows that intimate violence can happen to anyone¡ªthese women are every woman." - Dr. Elizabeth Dermody Leonard, Professor of Sociology, Vanguard University; author, Convicted Survivors
~ "Brenda Clubine['s]¡ personal story of loss, suffering, betrayal and courage could inspire a season of movies on Lifetime." - Cleveland Free Times
~ "The women of SIN BY SILENCE eloquently speak about why they couldn't get away from their violent partner and the devastating psychological effects of battering." - Nancy Kaser-Boyd, PhD, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
~ "Not only raises awareness about violence and abuse in intimate relationships, but offers hope to every survivor who views it. We were in tears." - Linda Dooley Johanek, Executive Director, Domestic Violence Center
~ "A film that touches the soul of any human concerned with justice and fair treatment¡. [A] cry for social action." - Alyce LaViolette, Author, It Could Happen to Anyone; Founder, Alternatives to Violence
~ "Sparks important conversations and squashes that voice in your head that tells you nothing like this could ever happen to you." - FilmArcade.net
Awards
~ Sacramento Film and Music Festival, Audience Award for Best Documentary
~ Cleveland Int'l Film Festival, Audience Award 2nd Runner Up
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