Westfield Memorial Library and YWCA present Private Vilolence Documentary

By Roz Giuditta

On Monday, October 19 at 2 p.m., the Westfield Memorial Library will host a movie presented by the YWCA Union County called “Private Violence.” The library is located at 550 East Broad Street, Westfield.

An HBO Documentary Films produced and directed by Cynthia Hill, Private Violence explores a simple but deeply disturbing fact of American life: the most dangerous place for a woman in America is in her own home.

Through the eyes of two survivors - Deanna Walters, a mother who seeks justice for the crimes committed against her at the hands of her estranged husband, and Kit Gruelle, an advocate who seeks justice for all women - we bear witness to the complicated and complex realities of intimate partner violence. It’s not always easy just to leave.

The film will be followed by short Q&A discussion lead by a YWCA Union County advocate who will help the audience explore questions like: How do we begin to build a future without domestic violence?

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.wmlnj.org, and click on the Online Calendar for the date, or call 908.789.4090 option 0.

Founded in 1879, the Westfield Memorial Library—the community’s destination for discovery and ideas—engages minds, entertains spirits and facilitates lifelong learning for people of all ages. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 1:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday.

For more information about library programs and services, call 908.789.4090, visit the library’s website at www.wmlnj.org, and sign up for the monthly e-newsletter “Library Loop,” or stop by the library at 550 East Broad Street for a copy of the award-winning quarterly newsletter “Take Note.”