The Victoria Women’s Transition House Society will bring the issue of domestic violence to the forefront during National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.
The society will screen two films on the subject at Cinecenta Theatre at the University of Victoria on April 23. The first – Behind Closed Doors – is a 25-minute film that explains the effect witnessing domestic violence has on the developing brains of infants and children, the impact on their behaviour and relationships and the long term consequences for their future.
The screening will be followed by a reception and panel discussion featuring clinical psychologist Dr. Sandra Weiland, shelters programs manager Shemine Gulamhusein and children who witness abuse counsellor Kerilee McLeod.
Behind Closed Doors begins at 2 p.m.
In the evening, beginning at 7 p.m., the movie Heaven on Earth tells the story of a young woman who travels from India to Canada to marry and becomes trapped with an abusive husband.
Admission to both films is by donation.
Marianne Sorensen, development manager for the transition house society, said the films are aimed at bringing awareness of domestic violence.
There are four women’s transition houses in Greater Victoria.
For further information, please go online to transitionhouse.net.