Dave Ohlmuller is a survivor of sexual assault, an avid cyclist, and the subject of the educational documentary, A Peloton of One. He’s also barred from seeking justice against his abuser due to the statute of limitations in New Jersey. To raise awareness of the fight to abolish the statute of limitations–in every state–Ohlmuller becomes, in a way, his own peloton. In 2018, he bikes from Chicago to New York in an inspiring ride documented by directors John Bernardo and Steven Mallorca.
When Dave Ohlmuller was a child, a Catholic priest integrated himself into his family and later become Ohlmuller’s molester. Like many young victims, Ohmuller didn’t come forward until he was an adult. The memories flooded back to him, and with new knowledge that most children are unable to grasp, he realized he was sexually assaulted. By then, the law no longer presented an opportunity for justice, and Ohlmuller couldn’t do anything to prevent the priest from abusing other children like him.
Still, Ohlmuller was able to provide agency to other survivors of sexual assault and even experience some healing himself. This educational documentary highlights his stalwart commitment to advocating for victims, as well as his own resonant emotional journey. Through A Peloton of One, Dave Ohlmuller and his supporters raise awareness of sexual abuse in the Catholic church and the ways the statute of limitations protects the church over victims of childhood sexual abuse.
The film splices together scenes of the cross-country bike ride with interviews of politicians, survivors, and families of survivors. Ohlmuller too meets up with other survivors and supporters on his ride. Like a peloton of cyclists in a competition, these people protect and support each other in their own figurative race to abolish the statute of limitations.
Since the time of filming, several states have decided to either abolish or expand the statute of limitations. However, there is progress yet to be made, as many of these laws do nothing to protect survivors who were abused whenever old laws were in effect. A Peloton of One advocates for this protection by combining statistics and testimonies in an informative manner that’s easy to digest, minus the stomach-churning subject matter. By framing this information with Dave Ohlmuller’s unique and inspiring ride, this educational documentary provides a fresh take on an old issue. Highly recommended.
What can this educational documentary be used as a resource for?
A Peloton of One is a great classroom teaching tool, as well as a resource for both public and academic library shelves.
What schools or colleges is this documentary film appropriate for?
A Peloton of One, though dealing with mature subject matter, handles its topic in a sensitive enough manner for instructing older high school students. The film can be used as a tool for teaching both high school and college classes about laws regarding the statute of limitations.
What academic library shelves would A Peloton of One be on?
This film is recommended for documentary library shelves, especially those focusing on social issues, political issues, and religious institutions.
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