According to U.S. Department of Justice, 1 in every 4 American women will be a victim of domestic violence at some point in her life. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Lydia's House is sponsoring the St. Louis premiere of Olivia Kraus' "Sin by Silence," a riveting documentary that tells the personal and shocking stories of women convicted of killing an abusive partner. From inside prison, this group of women struggles to raise awareness about domestic violence among those on the outside.

One of these inmates, Brenda Clubine, first began to see common threads in the experiences of many women in prison. She tenaciously worked to found the first U.S. prison support group led by inmates, Convicted Women Against Abuse (CWAA). Her mission was to educate women about the cycle of domestic violence, and over the past two decades the women of CWAA have helped change laws for battered women and raise awareness for those on the outside.

"Many women who are currently in verbally or emotionally abusive relationships do not realize the danger ahead," explains Clubine. "I know firsthand the dangers that are ahead."

"Sin By Silence" examines the system in place to help women gain independence from these relationships and help educate the public about the tragedy of domestic violence.  The film's director, Olivia Klaus, has been working with the women of CWAA and building close relationships with them for seven years. 

"I began this journey to help a friend in an abusive relationship and found a group of empowering women forgotten by the system," explains Klaus. "They're struggles are important to learn from because they provide us the preventative roadmap for change."

In October 2008, Brenda Clubine became the twentieth CWAA member to be released from prison, and now continues her advocacy efforts on behalf of domestic violence survivors beyond prison walls.  This screening of "Sin By Silence" with Lydia's House provides a unique opportunity to meet Brenda and hear her story of transformation and triumph.

EVENT INFO

WHAT:          "Sin By Silence" screening

WHEN:          Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 2-5:00 p.m.

WHERE:       UM-St. Louis, J.C. Penney Auditorium, 8001 Natural Bridge Rd.

Included with the screening is a panel discussion with local experts, the film's director, as well as Brenda Clubine who is featured in the film and recently released from prison after 26 years.

For more information visit: http://www.sinbysilence.com/

About Lydia's House

Lydia's House works in faith to end domestic violence by continuing to provide a place of healing and a voice of hope for abused women and their children. Since its incorporation in 1995, Lydia's House has provided transitional housing and comprehensive, goal-oriented support services for more than 300 abused women and their children. Lydia's House currently serves 35 women and up to 70 children. It is Missouri's largest provider of confidentially located, furnished apartments for abused women and their children and is one of the largest programs of its type in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.lydiashouse.org/.

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