October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. First declared in 1989, Domestic Violence Awareness month is a time to bring focus to domestic violence survivors and provide a voice for its victims. Alarming statistics tell us that domestic violence exists in every community and affects all people.
Domestic violence is not relegated to only a certain community, but rather affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. The consequences of domestic violence can cause generational trauma and last a lifetime.
- An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year.
- Nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by a partner and reported it having a related impact on their functioning.
- Just under 15% of women (14.8%) and 4% of men in the US have been injured as a result of intimate partner violence that included rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.
- 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the US have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
- Women ages 18 to 24 and 25 to 34 generally experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence.
As a network that supports female entrepreneurs, the BRA Network seeks to spread awareness and change when it comes to Domestic Violence. It is highly alarming to read these statistics and any chance we can provide a platform for voices of change and support, we are on it!
Amazingly for us, one of our very own BRA Members, the talented Meredith Yinger, has directed a film on this very topic. SCARS UNSEEN is an inspiring new film that brings to light the stories of three incredible women who not only survived domestic violence but are now on a mission to pay it forward. Directed by Meredith Yinger, this documentary dives deep into the healing journeys of these courageous women, showcasing the tools they used to build resilience and reclaim their lives amidst the shadows of their past.
We had a chance to chat with Meredith about her inspiration to make this film. Read on to learn more about Meredith’s journey:
What was the inspiration and motivation behind creating the Scars Unseen documentary?
As Director, I have friends and family members that have been affected by domestic violence. Some of which have come forward and shared their stories with me during the process of creating this film. It has been heart-wrenching, eye-opening, but more than anything it has been motivating. This has been motivating me to keep pushing this story forward and to not give up no matter how many challenges I might face.
I am passionate to share similar stories and provide a glimpse of hope in showcasing they are not alone. The film was going to focus solely on Trish’s story. We spent a lot of time getting to know her and working with her non-profit organization, Safe Passage.
Through Trish, we began to meet other women in and around the organization that had vastly different stories of overcoming domestic violence trauma, with similar advocacy and activism outcomes on the backend. It inspired me and brought me to the realization that there is no “one size fits all” with trauma recovery and we needed to include more voices and so the film expanded to showcase the depth and complexities through three incredible women’s stories.
How do you hope Scars Unseen will change the conversation around domestic violence?
Scars Unseen aims to be a catalyst for conversation and societal change – the bigger the impact, the better. We have big goals for distribution on both the streaming circuit as well as the educational circuit – where we hope to partner with an educational distribution company to get this film into organizations like first responders, law schools, police academies, universities, and advocacy organizations to make a big impact on those who need to see it most and are likely to experience DV situations in their work as well to see the situation from the other side.
This film is also for anyone who has experienced domestic violence first-hand or otherwise. Whether you have witnessed, experienced, or never heard of it, this film is for you to empower you and remind us that what happens to one of us happens to us all. We as a society need to see this to understand that being trauma informed will benefit everyone. The main takeaway we hope for is the understanding that you are not alone and that there is hope.
Have you ever directed a documentary before? What were some of your greatest hurdles and what were some of your greatest triumphs?
I have directed and produced short form documentary content before, but this is my first feature length documentary! The biggest challenge? Which one!? Seriously, anyone in the doc or filmmaking world understands that every day presents a new challenge. I would say the biggest challenge was figuring out how to continue pushing the project forward after covid to get it across the post- production finish line. Finding finishing funds was tough and I bootstrapped as much as I could to get it completed, but that process has made everything more meaningful, because at every stage of the challenges, I was met with people that were passionate about this story and that wanted to help.
It really does take a village and I think the sheer fact that people kept showing up, going out of their way to help me push it forward, or bringing their talents to this project whether that be with their story, editing, music, color, what have you, that continually reminds me that this is truly something special and that the world needs Scars Unseen.
Another big win has been our Telly Award we just won for Use of Music in the documentary! We have also been accepted into 5 festivals to date and had our first community screening event with the Zonta Club of Burbank on October 10th and am looking to create many more experiences like that.
What do you wish more people knew about domestic violence?
The change of the statistic from 1 in 4 women affected by domestic violence to 1 in 3 after COVID is drastic. We as a society all need to be more trauma informed and advocate for our systems to address trauma as one of the leading causes of issues.
I know that this documentary is bigger than myself and I am speaking directly to those who have reached out as well as those who are unable to speak up through Scars Unseen: you are not alone and there is hope. There is always time to change your narrative.
What can people do to be an ally for people who may be suffering from domestic violence?
Our narrator Rachel Louise Snyder probably says it best when she said, “I can understand why getting together and sharing our stories might feel like a letdown, but we’re not just sharing stories. What you’re actually doing is telling a victim you’re not alone. Your instincts are 100% correct, and we’ve got to get you out of there, and we’re going to help get you out of there.”
Be there as a support system, offer resources or direct them to organizations like Safe Passage Heals (more listed below). And if you’re able to advocate on their behalf or guide them through the legal and logistical side of abuse, do what you can and what is in your power, but ultimately remind them they are not alone and you’re there to help.
Can you tell us some resources we can offer to people who may be victims of domestic violence and don’t know where to turn?
Yes! We have a longer list of resources available on our website but here are a few:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
CA Women’s Law Center: 323-951-1041 or email [email protected]
Peace Over Violence: 213-955-9090
Jenesse Center for DV Intervention and Prevention hotline: 800-479-7328
How can people see Scars Unseen?
Right now you can view Scars Unseen at the upcoming festivals (Oct 20th in Twin Cities Film Festival) or host your own private screening of the film! Book a screening here.
How can BRA Members support your film?
Host a screening!
Refer a local organization or corporation to host an event for the film, or
Donate to the film so we can continue to bring this message to more audiences. (All donations are tax-deductible!!)
What’s next for you Meredith? Do you plan on directing another documentary?
I am currently in development on my second feature documentary called Vulva La Revolution which is about starting a sexual health revolution in women’s healthcare.
Vulva La Revolution explores the intersection between science, culture, fem tech, and medicine to explain the phenomenon of medical gaslighting and illuminate a path toward better health care for all womxn. Accompany trailblazer Dr. Maria Uloko – one of six doctors in the world specializing in sexual health issues of ALL genders – and her fierce team of leaders as they join forces to start a sexual health revolution.
I want to create a revolution with this film. Too long have we been silenced, or gaslit, or made to distrust ourselves and our bodies by systems that don’t have all the answers.
Vulva la Revolution is a resurgence of reclaiming our history and dreaming up a future and path forward where we don’t have to accept the way things have always been.
We are currently seeking financing and are also starting conversations with femtech companies and VC firms that are women-owned to create strategic partnerships with these organizations to include the founders’ stories into the interviews as well as highlight their products and services through the documentary. We plan to create a screening tour with partner events that will have panels, workshops, and Q&As with femtech companies to amplify their work alongside the documentary screening once it is completed.
MEMBERS SUPPORTING MEMBERS
In true BRA Network fashion, we wanted to go out and support Meredith at a screening of her film. We gathered for a fun networking happy hour at Rosti Tuscan Kitchen and then headed over to the Regency Calabasas theater to see the moving documentary. Everyone was blown away by the impact of Scars Unseen.
Here is what some of our BRA Network members had to say:
“A powerful message and courageous look at the lives of three women who have overcome domestic violence. A deep dive into the “how” of their healing journey. Truly insightful and inspiring.” – Liz Svatek
“The film was deeply moving, shedding light on the struggles faced by these women and many others like them. Meredith truly honored their experiences, sharing their stories in a way that resonated with everyone in the theater. BRAVA to her and the brave women in Scars Unseen.” – Kathy Schuh
To keep up with Meredith’s journey, follow her on Instagram or visit the Scars Unseen website.
If you’re interested in joining an inclusive professional community that celebrates you AND provides plenty of opportunities for networking and growth, sign up for the next Fitting Room. You’ll discover how we can support you and your business during this free virtual orientation. You’ll also get to know our Founder, Carrie Murray, and connect with some BRA Members!
