A grassroots movement starts with a call for change from everyday people challenging an imperfect world. The civil right's movement and women’s right to vote both started with concerned citizens organizing and taking a stand. The fight against domestic abuse started small, but is currently addressed through government programs and private institutions instead of grassroots engagement. So, how could a film step in to help create momentum?

GOAL:

Develop a grassroots campaign to screen the film in the top 10 states with the worst domestic violence statistics in order to...

1. Create awareness and conversations about the silent tragedy of domestic violence.
2. Build connections and mobilize passionate individuals who have interest in getting involved in the domestic abuse prevention movement with local resources for continued involvement.
3. Educate communities about the urgency of involvement in the issues and lives affected in order to create prevention and help shape realistic change.
4. Help influence others to join the movement.

RESEARCH:

To begin the process of developing the Stop the Violence tour we had to identify the state's with the worst domestic violence statistics. With ever worsening statistics, time was of the essence. By utilizing the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence statistic reports we were able to review statistics and formulate a plan resulting in the need to travel to Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Washington.

PARTNERSHIPS:

We connected with each state's domestic violence coalition to develop a plan of action in envisioning where a screening might best be utilized within their network. The QLP team was then able to identify and connect with various organizations, non-profits, universities and churches that would benefit from a screening of the film and discussion.

TIMING:

In order to maximize the effectiveness and reach of the film, it was important to schedule the tour around Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October 2009. By utilizing this timing, we were able to expand upon the outreach efforts already in place through community partners.

IMPACT:

TANGIBLE OUTCOMES:

We helped create safe places for audience members to share their own personal stories of tragedy. We helped connect organizations with new advocates who were ready to join the cause and begin working together. We helped ignite change...

• Petition to free Margaret Moore - a petition was signed at various screenings to help free one of the original CWAA memebers, and then current chairperson, with her campaign to freedom. Over 2000 signatures were collected and Margaret was released from prison on January 8, 2010 after spending 31 years behind bars.
• Process to begin Convicted Women Against Abuse at Indianapolis women's prison is initiated after screening the film for inmates on October 22, 2009.
• Ollie Johnson shared her testimony after film screens with organizations partner Free Battered Women in San Francisco. She was released from prison on 2008 after serving 22 years, and continues to search for a home and job. Ollie's life changed after the screening as one audience member offers her a place to live and help with finding a job.
• Welcome Home Hampers - donation by NewportWomen of Newport Beach, CA for supplies (beauty products, clothing, necessities and giftcards) for the Convicted Women Against Abuse members when they are released from prison.
• Stamp Drive - Girl Scout Troop of Ruidoso, NM starts a community wide donation drive to send mailing supplies and stamps to the women of Convicted Women Against Abuse.
• Shelter Art Class - local artist starts a monthly art class for the children staying at the Family Violence Center shelter in Springfield, MO.
• Family Portraits - local photographer donates time and supplies to take personal portraits for the families seeking safety at Lydia's House in St. Louis, MO.
• Pro Bono Legal Services - 10 Berkeley Law students sign up with the Habeas Project to begin providing legal services for the women of Convicted Women Against Abuse.
• Court Watch Group - the discussion after the film included one woman's plea for help through the legal case she was facing trying to protect her kids from abusive husband. As a result, The Center for Nonviolence of Fort Wayne, IN started a small action group to begin a court watch for the various local cases of violence against women and to keep judges and media accountable of what was happening in the local courtrooms.

TESTIMONIALS:

"People were energized and excited about the possibilities of getting involved in raising awareness about domestic violence. Our community was inspired to take action."
- New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence

"One could not attend this presentation and walk away feeling not profoundly impacted by the message."
- YWCA Lafayette, IN

"It uplifted all present to remember that there are those in our community who need help and understanding. It uplifted the empowerment and the hope of the women who attended, to remind them of how much power there is in solidarity. Even our own staff members were inspired."
- Center for NonViolence / Fort Wayne, IN

"Very powerful and dynamic presentation to help understand the ultimate consequence of domestic violence. All victims and batterers need to see this documentary!"
- Domestic Violence Council of Kern County

"It was one of the best educational presentations on domestic violence we had ever offered."
- YWCA Director / Topeka, Kansas

"For the first time, I saw that I could of ended up just like these women. I have been in an abusive relationship and finally learned so much about my own silence."
- Audience Member

"My daughter went with me and for the first time we talked about her father and the abuse we both endured. I have never been able to reconnect with her about our past and am so thankful that this event created that opportunity."
- Audience Member