In her stirring documentary, Olivia Klaus profiles Convicted Women Against Abuse, a U.S. prison support group made up of offenders serving time for killing their abusive partners. Brenda Clubine, a former inmate at the California Institution for Women, founded CWAA in 1989, and the group has since played a major role in raising awareness of battered women and influencing legislation affecting their fate. Glenda Crosley entered the facility when she was 44 and found solace in the group when she discovered that “It didn't just happen to me. It happened to many women, in different ways.” Klaus looks specifically at Crosley's case, since her attorney was unable to make abuse a significant part of the defense. As the filmmaker notes, a condition called “battered women's syndrome” didn't come into play until 1992 (largely due to CWAA's efforts). Several other victims also recount their stories, while valuable insights are provided by Dr. Elizabeth Leonard, who conducted a study to determine what led the women to commit homicide. Among other observations, Leonard notes that “just leaving” is never as simple as outsiders think, since abuse often escalates when victims attempt to flee; also, psychological mistreatment is hard to prove. Anaheim Police Chief John Welter expresses particular concern for the children from these environments, and Klaus solicits additional input from jurors, attorneys, sheriffs, and forensic psychologists. DVD extras include extended interviews and discussion. Offering a powerful look at a controversial topic, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)
Sin by Silence
(2009) 49 min. DVD: $159: public libraries; $325: colleges & universities. Women Make Movies. PPR. Closed captioned. Volume 26, Issue 3
Sin by Silence
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