"That's how it was. I did a lot of those things.""It kept my attention. The language was explicit and finally realistic."
"Best documentary I've ever seen."
Mixing dramatic vignettes with interviews, this program examines emotional abuse directed at women by their male partners. It's not about arguing or disagreeing; it is about chronic criticism, verbal degradation, intimidation and isolation imposed on women to keep them in a socially and emotionally unsupported position. The aim, and the result, is to wear down and destroy women's self-esteem and their spirit. Both male and female viewers learn the basis for this kind of behavior in males. Tools for confronting and ending this type of abusive behavior and the treatment options available for abusers are covered.
*Closed Captioned
*Also available in an "edited" version in which strong language is muted #3237
Women's self-help group:
Women said they wish they had been able to see this video when they first became involved in a support group. At the beginning of group participation many women thought they were in the wrong place. They thought they hadn't really been abused compared to other women.
Mixed audience of recovering men:
The group leader reported that every man was affected or touched, and took something away from seeing the video. It was especially good for the "pre-contemplative" man. This is the man who is still in a state of denial and has yet to recognize himself and see that there are similarities between his behaviour and the abuse represented in the scenarios.
Individual Comments:
"This video doesn't hold back. It shows it like it is."
"That's my partner, exactly the way it was. I deserve better, it's not so bad being alone."
Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre: Healthy Relationships men's (prison) group