As part of the itinerary for Legislative Action Days in DC (arranged by the NCADV, NAESV and NCVC) , I had the chance to preview the movie A Life Interrupted. Attending the preview with her family was Debbie Smith herself. Also in attendance were actress Lea Thompson, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Anne Carlucci Producer, Lifetime reps and advocates from across the country - among others.
At the conference and during the movie we were told that a rapist will act 7-8 times before being caught. The Debbie Smith Act, which was championed by Representative Carolyn Maloney from NY, provides funding to eliminate the backlog of rape kits in each state. When testing is accomplished the DNA is extracted and put into a national database where it is compared with the DNA of convicted felons from around the country. When a match comes up it means another victim may get resolution.
The story of Debbie Smith is one of courage and hope. It's how a middle class mom who doesn't have a high school education but does have a heart and faith to make things better for other survivors around the country. Her determination is a beacon of light in a darkened world. This is not so much a story about a life interrupted as it is about a life transformed.
She goes from shy wallflower to outspoken advocate. Debbie becomes a reluctant advocate when the local police call her to help a victim at the hospital. Still hurting from her own assault is able to summon her courage to reach out to the victim. Then, she stands up to the police officer who requested her help. Her demands of the officer include clothes for the victim. A "size 6" - so she won't have to wear hospital scrubs home. When the officer asks where he's going to get them Debbie sends him to the store.
Everyone in the audience applauded loudly to cheer her on. At home, you will too!
Her family is as impressive as she is.
All too often the family of a rape survivor is left out of the equation. In this movie, you'll want to cry with her husband and children as they too struggle to make sense out of the senseless of sexual assault. You'll want to cheer them on as they try to help mom and be angered when callous students leave threatening notes in the daughter's locker.
At the end, you'll be awed and inspired at the love and support shown for each other.
Survivors will want to be aware that the movie is triggering. The rape scene is graphic and disturbing as are the flashbacks. Another scene takes place at the hospital when the rape exam is done. It's emotional. If you are a survivor and choose to watch this movie you will want to do so with support and be in a safe emotional place. The scenes are not put in for shock value. The producers felt this was necessary so John Q. Public can more fully understand what survivors go through. In this, as with the rest of the movie, they did an excellent job.
A Life Interrupted will be broadcast on Lifetime TV, Monday night April 23, 2007 @ 9:00PM EDT. It is directed by Anne Carlucci Productions, Incendia Entertainment and broadcast on Lifetime TV. More information can be found online at:
http://www.li fetimetv.com/movies/originals/alifeinterrupted.php
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