Educational Documentary by Tortoise and Finch Productions Challenges Stereotypes on Domestic Violence

Boston, MA, October 24, 2015 --(PR.com)-- During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Tortoise and Finch Productions, LLC will be launching a variety of licensing options for its feature-length documentary, You Look a Lot Like Me, as well as its 70-page Community Education and Discussion Guide.

The film, directed by Chloé McFeters—herself a domestic violence survivor—explores the insidious social pandemic of domestic violence in the U.S. through raw, first person narratives and interviews with educators and advocates working in the field of domestic violence awareness and prevention.

Chloé says the film seeks to challenge some of the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding domestic violence. “Before becoming a victim myself, I thought I understood what domestic violence was, and I didn’t. And I certainly thought I would avoid it, but I was wrong. Domestic violence is about much more than the images that often come to mind when we hear those words—the black eye, the raging man with his clenched fist, the woman cowering in a corner—a woman often portrayed as being ‘pathetic’ or ‘weak’ or somehow ‘asking for it.’ Don’t get me wrong—the black eyes, the fear, the physical violence certainly exist, but this issue is much larger and more complex than that one, very specific scenario. This is something I learned after leaving my own situation, so I wanted to share some of what I learned with the public.”

What’s perhaps most startling about this film—which was shot over the course of five and a half years at undisclosed locations across the United States—is its relevance to people from all walks of life, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, social status, culture, religious affiliation, etc. It is in recognizing how closely we are able to relate to the individuals featured in You Look a Lot Like Me that we begin to better understand the true scope of domestic violence. The film works to dispel our apathy, call us to action, and leave us with a deepened sense of admiration for the triumph of the human spirit.

You Look a Lot Like Me had its premiere at the Awareness Festival in Hollywood, California, and is currently used as an informational and training resource in a variety of settings across the U.S. The film is well suited for a wide range of audiences, including domestic violence programs and coalitions, abuser education programs, social service agencies and other organizations focused on women’s and LGBQ/T issues, health, and public policy. You Look a Lot Like Me may also be of particular value to academic departments and programs, those working in the criminal justice system, law enforcement agencies, prisoner rehabilitation programs, and mental health professionals and programs.

As an experienced interviewer and ghostwriter, over the past eight years Chloé has conducted more than a hundred on-camera interviews covering a broad spectrum of difficult subjects and experiences, including domestic and sexual violence, mental illness, addiction, family and childhood trauma, and bereavement. She has also documented dozens of life stories and is passionate about working with individuals who are interested in preserving their unique family histories and traditions.

Chloé shared three things she hopes viewers will take away from the film:

1. Domestic violence truly does not discriminate.

Domestic violence is a devastating crime that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, culture, social status, socioeconomic background, level of education, religious affiliation, etc.

2. Domestic violence isn’t only about physical violence.

Domestic violence comes in many forms: emotional, mental, verbal, sexual, financial, identity-related, and physical.

3. Domestic violence doesn’t have to be a way of life.

“If you are being abused, help is available. It’s not easy to ask for help. It can be embarrassing, frightening, and uncomfortable, but getting help just might save your life. You have options and you deserve to be safe and respected.

“If you are abusing someone, you can stop. There are abuser education programs that can help you, if you are willing to take responsibility for your actions and commit to changing.”

To watch a trailer of You Look a Lot Like Me, or to subscribe to the You Look a Lot Like Me mailing list, please visit www.youlookalotolikeme.com.

For more information on other projects at Tortoise and Finch Productions, LLC, please visit www.tortoiseandfinch.com.