Survivors Speak

The premiere screening of the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters' (ACWS) survivor-led documentary 

The Alberta Council of Women's Shelters (ACWS) invite you to the premiere screening of the survivor-led documentary, Survivors Speak. Debuting at the NorthwestFest International Documentary Festival, seven survivors of domestic violence break their silence to call for change in a legal system not designed for their cases.  

"Deeply moving—an incredible resource for those in law, nursing, social work and medicine," says Nicholas Bala, internationally recognized legal expert on family law.

“An eye-opening documentary that demonstrates the torturous experience that survivors face while navigating the legal system,” says Jan Reimer, Executive  Director of Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters.

The film demonstrates the tortuous journey survivors often face navigating the legal system. With deep vulnerability, seven women explain what they wish lawyers and judges had known about intimate partner violence before they faced their abuser in court. For example:  

“[A dragged out court case] was a post-separation strategy by my abuser to further break me. I didn’t qualify for legal aid, but no one can afford 7 years of legal costs and not come out without deeper wounds.” 

On one survivor’s first day in court, her lawyer instructed her, “Don’t show emotion in the court room.” This as she readied to face her abuser for the first time since fleeing the relationship. 

The women also explore what needs to change for the legal system to support survivors fleeing intimate partner violence. 

So join us on May 15, 2024, at Edmonton’s Metro Cinema (8712 109 St NW)! Reception at 6:30 p.m., viewing at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Q and A with filmmaker and survivors. Tickets are by donation.

We are aiming for a full house, so get your tickets NOW before they’re gone!