Souhegan Student's Documentary Sheds Light on Abuse

One in four women has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime. Every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.

These facts are out there, but rarely spoken about in conversation. Chilling statistics that are hidden in the consciousness of everyday life, even as they are happening every day.

One Souhegan student took it upon herself to shed light on these topics from the women who experienced them firsthand. Kaitlyn Maloney, now a Souhegan graduate, filmed a documentary on this abuse and the stories of local women who have survived their own personal horrors.

Maloney spent over a year filming interviews with five of these women and key individuals who play a part in the world of domestic and sexual abuse. One major influence in the Souhegan Valley is Bridges, a non-profit organization that provides services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence, child sexual abuse, elder abuse, stalking, and harassment.

The film originally started as a PSA to help save the Milford office for Bridges, which lost $54,000 in funding three years ago. Teen Job Bank Director Rick Katzenberg had read an article on a film award she had won, and encouraged Maloney to use her filmmaking skills for a greater good.

It has since turned into a tool to spread awareness on abuse, especially to the young girls who may be at risk.

Each woman had their own stories of how they survived abuse. Their experiences ranged in age and severity; from violence to sexual assault. The youngest was Amanda of Nashua who experienced dating violence at the age of 14.

Amanda’s Story

Amanda's experience with dating abuse happened before she even knew what it was to be in a loving relationship. She had no idea that what her boyfriend was doing to her each day was abuse. It happened all the way through freshman year until a restraining order was filed.

“I just didn’t know there was any healthier way,” she said. “I hadn’t been in a relationship before and I thought that was normal. He told me he loved me, told me I was pretty, gave me all this attention. But he also tore me down and I thought that was normal.”

He blamed her. She blamed herself. Amanda then found Bridges, which was instrumental in her journey of recovery. Now she is a college student who talks to other young girls about her experience and how to avoid becoming a victim.

“Talking about my experience was the beginning of a turning point where I can help other people through sharing my story,” said Amanda. “Everyone knows someone, it's sad, but there is someone in every family, every friendship circle. It is a very touchy subject because you don’t want to step too far into someone’s life.”

(See a short clip from Amanda's interview in the video above)

Shining Light on Darkness

Amanda said she wishes she knew about programs like Bridges when she was younger, but can now be that source for many young girls who may be going through similar troubles.

Maloney said that she was glad that Amanda chose to be interviewed in her video because young girls can relate to her story and recovery. They have even joined together to talk to students around Southern New Hampshire.

The video not only includes stories from survivors, but also interviews with law enforcement, advocates and those who deal with abuse cases in the court system.

She spoke with Judge Thomas Bamberger at the Nashua District Court and learned about the complications that abuse victims face in the court system. Police chiefs from Amherst and Milford spoke about their experiences in dealing with cases of abuse.

Their testimony also shed light on a cultural difference that can exist even between small towns in New Hampshire. Milford had seen up to 350 cases of abuse in a 12-month period, while Amherst only experienced 49 cases.

Finally, she spoke to Bridges Milford Office Coordinator Katie Trayers and Executive Director Dawn Reams about their work in combating abuse.

Building Bridges

Katie Trayers said that Maloney’s video is now an essential tool in bringing their message to local youth in schools. She added that the documentary is powerful, meaningful and easily relatable for those in the fourteen towns covered by Bridges.

“It is important to put a name and a face to what teen dating violence is and what abuse is on a large scale,” she said. “Being able to have that personal touch really helps.”

And the need is not decreasing. Trayers said that they need every tool at their disposal to show Bridge’s services and how important they are.

“It affects our community in a very real way and the numbers show it, said Trayers. “In 2012 we served 2,990 people, with over 700 directly out of our Milford office.”

In New Hampshire nearly one in four women and one in twenty men in New Hampshire have been sexually assaulted, according New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence. At least a third of New Hampshire women have been the victim of a physical assault by an intimate partner.

Bridge’s Milford location is now open thanks to the generosity and support of the surrounding community. Even with budget cuts, Trayers vows that her organization will stay open in this area that needs it the most.

Maloney also plans to continue supporting Bridges and bring her documentary to larger audiences. The experience had a profound affect on this young girl and her view of the world, and there are many more that need to hear this message.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please contact Bridges for help and support. Visit their website at Bridgesnh.org or call the Milford office at 603-672-9833 (the Nashua office also available at 603-889-0858.)