Last week, we hosted a panel and screening series for Lorena, the gripping docuseries that premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 15. Lorena tells the story of Lorena Gallo, who after years of being the victim of domestic violence and marital rape, cut off her husband’s penis in 1993. The media had a field day with the story, overlooking the assault and rape to make a mockery of Lorena’s suffering. Twenty-five years later, thanks to the Violence Against Women Act and the formation of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, there are many more resources for victims. Below, we’re sharing panel excerpts from Qudsia Raja, Policy Director at the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Read on for her thoughts on the #MeToo movement and how you can be a domestic violence activist in your own community.
On how the #MeToo movement has impacted how domestic violence is perceived by the public…
Qudsia: The Kavanaugh trial has been a great example of how the #MeToo movement has galvanized a lot of survivors to come together and say, “This is something I’ve experienced, too, and it’s not OK.” There is a strength and comfort in being able to come together with strangers and say, “This is bigger than just what I’ve experienced.” This is something so many survivors and folks across the country and the world face. The positive part of that is that we’ve seen folks mobilize, at least in ways I haven’t seen before, around the issue of sexual and domestic violence. Violence has never been a sexy thing to galvanize around, so it was really powerful to see folks come out and really organize around that issue.
On how the movement is changing public policy….
Qudsia: In the realm of public policy, my fear is that because Kavanaugh has been confirmed to the Supreme Court—what do the long-term implications of that look like? What does it feel like to be a survivor who has organized and come out to a rally and yet still sees this man that has so much power? That’s the double-edged sword, and I’m interested to see how that conversation continues to play out. Will people feel burnt out? I myself and many people I work with spent the last year feeling triggered all the time doing this work—you’re advocating for policies, and know that people are coming to the streets in thousands, and see people having public conversations on social media—but despite all that, there are still very powerful people who can stop legislation and appoint people like Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
“Your trauma doesn’t have to be on display—you don’t have to share your story to be part of the conversation.”
On understanding why not everyone can share their story...
Qudsia: Educate yourselves and know that the numbers are pretty stark. There are a definitely a lot of survivors in this room, but your trauma doesn’t have to be on display—you don’t have to share your story to be part of the conversation. You can still get involved by education yourself and knowing what resources are available for folks. I think it’s important to remember that not everyone feels safe being a part of the public #MeToo conversation—and it’s important to understand why they can’t. You have to understand that domestic violence and sexual assault impact folks all across the board, but that communities of color are much more marginalized and much more at risk in sharing their stories.
On being a resource to your community...
Qudsia: Know that the more you educate yourself about what domestic violence and sexual assault look like, the more likely that someone who’s going through it can share it with you. It’s often someone who simply shares the hotline number that’s a big spark to allow folks to reach out for support.
Watch the full four-part Lorena docuseries now on Amazon Prime Video.
If you have been directly affected or know someone who has experienced domestic violence you can reach out to The National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233 or chatting online with an advocate at thehotline.org. This non-profit is always available, all day, every day, 365 days a year. Highly trained expert advocates provide confidential support, safety planning, and connection with local resources.
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