Student Documentary Sheds Light on Domestic Abuse

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 14 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 1 in 4 women and 1 in 20 men 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 Nashua office at 603-889-0858.