DVD reviews
She'll Be Sweet
This DVD looks at the way some men assert power and control over their partners through psychological abuse. It begins with two scenarios that clearly show the men involved asserting power and control over their wives/partners and their children. These two scenarios show how children are affected both directly and indirectly by the choices made by their fathers - in one case it is the physical health of the child that is put at risk by the decision of her father to pursue his own activities first and put the needs of his child second.
The story continues to focus on these two families, their friends and extended family and is centred on the birthday celebrations of a child turning two. The story is full of incidents that show how these men continue the psychological abuse of their partners as they focus on their own interests and self gratification. At all times in the story children are present as witnesses, as victims and as their father's pawns as they continually seek to exert power and control over their families.
There is a workbook to accompany this DVD. The workbook discussed the different methods shown in the video by which men exercise power and control over partners and children. It suggests possible advice and sources of support for people in abusive relationships, and looks at how they can move towards positive change. The workbook also suggests questions for facilitators to raise when leading discussions after the DVD.
He Drove Me Mad
This is a dramatised documentary for service providers that explains mental illness and substance abuse resulting from domestic violence. Many people in frontline jobs encounter women with these issues. Usually, however, they will not be aware of what's going on behind a woman's "difficult" behaviour or will feel ill equipped to deal with the multiple problems she presents. This dramatised documentary is designed to help police, social service agencies, lawyers, health professionals, voluntary and NGO services to understand the difficult women they meet and take constructive action to help them. The documentary presents the viewers with:
- Dramatised experiences of women who have been abused - and are mentally unwell or drunk - as they attempt to get help. The situations are taken from real-life stories, demonstrating a number of the barriers that women in this situation encounter when trying to access help
- Information about the size and scope of the problem in New Zealand and how agencies can constructively help
- The stories that can lie behind that difficult client.
It has a teaching resource, which consists of:
- Handouts about domestic violence; the mental health effects of domestic violence; what to do and what not to do; specialised services; and current responses to victims of domestic violence with mental health/substance abuse problems.
- PowerPoint presentation that supports the information on the DVD
- A booklet that explains how to use the teaching resource, suggested teaching activities and a teaching programme using the documentary.
The script was developed under the guidance of women who have lived through these circumstances. Raising awareness of these women's predicament and providing constructive responses can free women from lives of violence and abuse, break the process of intergenerational abuse, contribute to the elimination of violence against women, and promote peaceful homes and communities. This DVD also has a companion website (www.hedrovememad.com), which is an online community support group for people who have been traumatised by domestic violence. It features a forum, events calendar and news section.
