Women Talking: A Powerful Film About the Effects of Gender-Based Violence on 3 Generations

Women Talking walks us all through the thought process behind the question: why didn’t she leave?

Women Talking Releases December 23, 2022

Last month, I had the privilege of seeing the film Women Talking at a screening at the Hawaii International Film Festival. The film tells the story of women in a rural Mennonite community who are given the opportunity to speak out about the sexual violence, domestic violence, and gender-based violence that they have experienced, and decide as a community how to handle the situation.

What struck me most about this film is how powerfully it portrays the impact of these forms of violence on children. Too often, we think about violence as something that happens to adults, but children are also affected – and often in ways that are long-lasting. This film is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the generational impacts of gender-based violence.

Impacts of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects millions of people each year. It can take many different forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and financial abuse. Domestic violence can have a devastating impact on victims and their families, and it often occurs in secret.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it is important to seek help. There are resources available for victims of domestic violence, including shelters, support groups, and counseling services. You don’t have to face this alone. Remember that God is always with you and loves you very much.

Generational Effects of Violence

Domestic violence has a profound impact on children, both in the short and long term. In the short-term, children may suffer physical injuries due to domestic violence, as well as emotional distress resulting from witnessing abuse or being a victim of direct abuse. This can lead to issues with trust and security, as children learn that their home is a dangerous place.

One in three girls will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Girls who experience domestic violence are also more likely to experience other forms of violence later in life, including sexual assault and intimate partner violence. They are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, and they are more likely to have mental health problems.

Prevention Education

It’s important that we do everything we can to prevent domestic violence from happening in the first place. Prevention education is how we can effectively prevent violence from ever occurring. This film is a deep form of prevention education for the broad public. I hope that it will make a difference in many lives, families, and communities.

Prevention education teaches children about healthy relationships and how to identify signs of abuse. It helps children to understand what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Prevention education also provides children with the tools they need to get help if they are experiencing violence or abuse.

The goal of prevention education is to create a society where violence is no longer tolerated. By teaching ourselves, others, and the next generation about healthy relationships, we can help them to build safe and healthy communities for themselves and for future generations.

This film was inspiring to me as a filmmaker and I hope to make films that are meaningful like this one. I think it will get women talking about how this important issue has an effect on all of us and how we can better reach and serve those who are dealing with this issue.