Along our Stop the Violence Tour, we had two screenings in the town of Springfield, MO.  Springfield is located in Greene County which has seen, from 2005 to 2008, domestic violence cases rose from 118 calls to 242…an increase of 205 percent over four years. Domestic violence is a major crisis in that area, and it was an honor to be a part of making a difference through bringing Sin by Silence to that community.

Yet, there is even more of a difference being made by the announcement of the local Police Department adding domestic violence detective with stimulus money and a grant from the Violence Against Women Act. I’d like to think we were part of helping spark this change in the Springfield community!

You know what would be a good way to help stop domestic violence?  Well, a Danish advocacy group thinks they have the answer.  It’s a new online game entitled “Hit The Bitch” where you can simulate beating your girlfriend until she is black and blue with just the click of a button.  My blood is boiling!  Is this the new wave of advocacy?  Is this a new way to discourage domestic violence by letting you slap a women as much as you want?My mouth is still wide open in amazement.  It’s true.  It’s real.  It’s out there.  It’s online for kids to play and laugh at over and over and over again because, in this game, it apparently takes 10 virtual slaps with the stroke of the computer mouse to get to the finish line.  So, make sure not to give up before she’s thoroughly bruised because the score results in either 100% Pussy or 100% Gangsta.  But, wait…there’s a catch!  You become 100% Idiot!  Really?  Is this what we’ve succumb to?  We’re resulting to an online game that is suppose to make us feel guilty, like a real-life abuser might, for continuing to hit the woman just to see what happens next?  I think something has gone terribly wrong with this campaign!

Violence in video games, music lyrics, literature, general ordinary everyday behavior is apparent enough.  We need to be creating things with the message that violence in any way, shape, form, or online game is wrong.  Hands, or the click of a mouse, should not be for hitting.  We should be trying to promote healthy relationships and the respect of women.  Always.  Always.  I’ll say it one more time…Always!

Coverage on NBC in Springfield, MO

Article from News-Leader in Springfield, MO -

As October, Domestic Violence Awareness month, winds down, there’s a great opportunity tonight to learn more about this pernicious problem.

“Sin by Silence,” a documentary focusing on domestic violence from a survivor’s perspective, will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Landers Theatre in Springfield.

It’s about women sent to prison for killing abusive partners years ago, when options for fighting domestic violence were few, and the problem did not get enough attention.

After the film, a panel discussion will include the film’s director; one of the women featured in the film, who was released from prison in October 2008; Rodney Dwyer, executive director of the Family Violence Center in Springfield; and Kendall Seal, an attorney from Legal Services of Southern Missouri.

The documentary centers on inmates in California and how they started a group called Convicted Women Against Abuse two decades ago. If you’re wondering what that might have to do with you in Missouri today, some statistics might help.

In 2008, according to a Highway Patrol statistical analysis, Missouri experienced 31,632 domestic violence incidents, including 54 homicides.

For the past five years, a special annual report done by Springfield/Greene County civic groups has cited domestic violence as a “red flag.”

The 2009 report says, “Greene County’s domestic violence rate has been nearly double the state average since the 2004 Community Focus report.”

Other statistics from Dwyer, of the Family Violence Center, raise more alarm. In 2008, the center’s shelter provided 24,000 “safe bed” nights and 37,000 meals. In its 32 years of operation, the center estimates it has protected 10,000 women and children.

If you cannot get to the movie tonight and make a donation — proceeds benefit the family center and the Springfield Regional Arts Council — there are other ways to help.

The center always needs cleaning supplies, toilet paper, trash bags, towels, clothes and sheets — and volunteers.

Call 837-7700 or go to the Web site familyviolencecenter.org to learn more.

Most important, though, Dwyer and others say, are these numbers: 417-864-SAFE or 800-831-6863. Share it with anyone who needs help.

It’s not like the old days.

People care.

They will help.

A safe place is not far away.

As October, Domestic Violence Awareness month, winds down, there’s a great opportunity tonight to learn more about this pernicious problem.

“Sin by Silence,” a documentary focusing on domestic violence from a survivor’s perspective, will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Landers Theatre in Springfield.

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Click here to view the article.

Coverage on ABC news in Topeka, KS - click here to view the clip

“A powerful film advocated for a future free from domestic violence Tuesday night.

People gathered to watch a screening of “Sin by Silence.”

Its about a group of women inmates called the Convicted Women Against Abuse.

In the film, they expose misconceptions about domestic violence, the lack of options available to women and how it affects all of us.

The film is one of many events for the YWCA’s Week Without Violence.”