This moving domestic violence drama enabled the audience to connect with the issues of domestic abuse, particularly emotional and psychological abuse, on a personal and emotional level. One student said afterwards, “It has illustrated the far-reaching effects of violence on a person’s whole emotional health, also the lengths they will go to avoid asking for help, even when they know they need it.”
Shortlisted for the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award 2005, ‘Lady in Red’, a Certain Curtain Theatre Company production commissioned by Safer South Gloucestershire, focuses on the issue of domestic violence and was followed by further discussion led by its writers.
Extensively researched and highly acclaimed, ‘Lady in Red’ combines superb dialogue, a compelling plot, powerful performance and evocative colours to take the audience on a moving and thought-provoking journey with 'Rose' - enabling them to explore one woman's attempts to leave an abusive relationship and the barriers she faces.
Other comments made by audience members included:
“Very powerful and compelling. Will stay in my memory for future practice.”
“Gave me an understanding of the perpetrators’ tactics used and the impracticalities of leaving a partner.”
“Everyone in healthcare profession training should see this”
“I have not appreciated the difficult emotional battles faced by victims of domestic violence despite previous modules covering it.”
“The opportunity for discussion and debate was also very useful as it showed how we should be involved as healthcare professionals.”
“Everyone should have an awareness of how it affects the victim.”
South Gloucestershire focused on raising the profile of domestic abuse with health professionals throughout the week, since people experiencing domestic violence are more likely to tell a health professional than any other agency. Multi-agency training was delivered to key health practitioners and 450 awareness packs and resources were distributed to health professionals to help them identify and appropriately respond to domestic abuse.
ENDS