Created by Brenda Clubine in 1989, CWAA has changed laws for battered women, raised awareness for those on the outside, and educated a system that does not fully comprehend the complexities of domestic abuse. Like many CWAA members, Brenda’s years of inflicted abuse were never fully revealed. But because of CWAA’s work and advocacy, new laws were enacted that now allow incarcerated survivors to challenge their original conviction. With unprecedented access inside the California Institution for Women, this emotionally packed documentary tells the stories of courageous women who have learned from their past, are changing their future, and teaching us how domestic violence affects each and every person.
“Shows that intimate violence can happen to anyone—these women are every woman.” Dr. Elizabeth Dermody Leonard Author, “Convicted Survivors: The Imprisonment of Battered Women Who Kill”
“Not only raises awareness…but offers hope to every survivor who views it. We were in tears.” Linda Dooley Johanek Executive Dir., Domestic Violence Center
“A film that touches the soul of any human concerned with justice and fair treatment…. [A] cry for social action.” Alyce LaViolette Founder, Alternatives to Violence
“Brenda Clubine[’s]… personal story of loss, suffering, betrayal and courage could inspire a season of movies on Lifetime.” Cleveland Free Times
“The women of SIN BY SILENCE eloquently speak about why they couldn’t get away from their violent partner and the devastating psychological effects of battering.” Nancy Kaser-Boyd, PhD Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
“Sparks important conversations and squashes that voice in your head that tells you nothing like this could ever happen to you.” FilmArcade.net
“Offering a powerful look at a controversial topic, this is highly recommended.” K. Fennessy Video Librarian
“…disrupts conventional assumptions about victimization and empowerment to provide an alternative perspective for courses on feminist activism.” Wendy Kozol Films for the Feminist Classroom
