What
happens when a woman finds herself trapped in an abusive relationship
with very little support, while enduring years of abuse with seemingly
no escape? When these women summon the courage to fight back,
oftentimes in defense of their own lives, they are faced with severe
violent crime sentencing in the courts. The film , "Strength Of a
Woman," addresses the criminal justice system’s devastating impact on
survivors of domestic violence. The film premieres this Thursday,
February 5th at 6pm at Columbia University School of Law, 435 West
116th Street at Amsterdam Avenue.
9 out of 10 women in prison have experienced severe physical and/or
sexual abuse in their lives. An overwhelming majority of women
incarcerated for violent offenses are first-time felony offenders. In
many courts, the abuse these women have endured is not permissible as
evidence. In a just society, shouldn’t all crime be tried and shouldn’t
all victims be vindicated?
The Coalition for Women Prisoners’ Violence Against Women Committee and
filmmaker Allison Caviness have teamed up to bring these issues to
light in "Strength Of a Woman." This 22 minute documentary film depicts
the stories of formerly incarcerated women who committed crimes as a
result of the abuse they suffered.
After the screening of the film, advocates will explore the
relationship between domestic violence and womens’ pathways to prison.
There will be discussion with the filmmaker and the committee and a
dialogue about the Violence Against Women Committees’ continued
advocacy for the Merit Time Bill. A reception withrefreshments will
follow.
The premiere will be held this Thursday, February 5th at 6pm at
Columbia University School of Law, 435 West 116th Street at Amsterdam
Avenue and is co-sponsored by Amnesty International, Columbia Law
School Criminal Justice Action Network, Columbia Law School, and the
National Association of Women Judges.
Allison Caviness is a Brooklyn based filmmaker whose work focuses on
social change and the preservation of indigenous cultures. Caviness is
the founder of
Lesedi Film Center, a youth film making workshop in NYC.
The Coalition for Women Prisoners, coordinated by the Women in Prison
Project of the Correctional Association of New York, is a statewide
alliance of individuals and organizations dedicated to making the
criminal justice system more responsive to the needs and rights of
women and their families.
The organizers ask that you RSVP by Wednesday February 4th, as seating is limited.
To RSVP please contact Stacey Thompson, Community Outreach Organizer
at: sthompson@correctionalassociation.org or call: 212-254-5700 x.333
You can find out more about the Correctional Association of NY at
www.correctionalassociation.org
To subscribe to or advertise in New York’s
leading Pan African weekly investigative newspaper, please call (212)
481-7745 or send a note to Milton@blackstarnews.comAlso visit out sister publications Harlem Business News www.harlembusinessnews.com and The Groove music magazine at www.thegroovemag.com
"Speaking Truth To Empower.”
