Erin: Beyond the Bruises

Synopsis

“Domestic violence - the beast that has been with us since time immemorial but refuses to die." Erin Pizzey
Erin Pizzey is a hero. Every refuge today owes its existence to her courage. Five decades after she made history, by opening the first women’s refuge in the world, icon Pizzey is joined by Dame Joanna Lumley to ask why so many lives are still devastated by domestic abuse. Articulate and engaging, they explore the mechanism, essence and psychology of the abuse, explaining why “the beast that has been with us since time immemorial” refuses to die. Resting on Erin’s five decade fight and unparalleled knowledge, they present proven ways to stop the cycle of abuse for both victim and perpetrator.
ERIN: BEHIND THE BRUISES offers a rarely intimate insight into the hidden reality of abuse. Through Erin’s astonishing life and great sacrifice, the film shows the incredible progress made, but sends an urgent message to press on. Thanks to Erin's courage, women went from suffering in silence, with nowhere to turn fifty years ago, to being supported and helped today, but the problem remains. “Too many today are still accepting the abuse because they are trapped, but we can stop it” explains Pizzey, calling for a "long overdue open, honest and serious discussion about domestic abuse.” This film is a call for action, a golden opportunity for real change.
Edited by Chris Hall (CNN, BBC, Discovery, Channel4), the film pays tribute to a living legend who changed the course of history. Fifty years ago Erin has singlehandedly brought domestic violence into the open, forcing society, local authorities and governments to address it. Erin has saved thousands of lives and changed women and children’s lives for the better, but her fight against domestic violence is far from over.

Details

Year

2023

Type of film

Features

Running Time

61 min

Director

Hannah Gal

Editor

Hannah Gal, Chris Hall

Director of Photography

Hannah Gal

Principal Cast

Joanna Lumley, Erin Pizzey

Genre

• Human Rights
• Woman Director
• Documentary

Production status

Post-production

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Last updated 2nd May 2023