May 2017: Finding Jenn’s Voice at Albright College on April 27, 2017

Finding Jenn’s Voice is director Tracy’s Schott’s first full-length film that address the issue of domestic violence during pregnancy. Tracy’s inspiration for this movie came when she received a phone call from a close friend informing Tracy that her friend’s niece, Jenn, was murdered. Tracy researched domestic violence and found that it was the leading cause of death for pregnant women. Tracy then interviewed professionals, as well as survivors, to give Jenn the voice she lacked.

Following the film that was shown at Albright College on April 27th, Tracy answered questions that students and other attendees asked. One question was “How can you help a friend who is in denial of a domestic relationship?” One of the most important things you can do is to try to talk to them in private.

Some definite do’s to help guide this conversation are: simply ask if something is wrong, while expressing concern for them, listen to what they have to say and validate their feelings, offer help, and support their decisions.

With the do’s there are also some do nots: Do not wait for them to come to you, do not judge them or blame them for the situation they are in, or decisions made, do not pressure them to tell you, do not give advice, and do not place conditions on your support.

If you need help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or Safe Berks at 844-789-7233. Seeking help from the Gable Health and Counseling Center is always an option, you may reach them at 610-921-7532.

~Nicholas Ney ’17