The HOPE Center to show film “Against My Will”

 

Killing women “in the name of honor” 

March 27, 2012

April is dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault and the realities of intimate-partner violence. In keeping with this mission, the HOPE Center, in collaboration with Lock Haven University anthropology professor Dr. Judy Brink, is very pleased to present the powerful documentary “Against My Will” (2002). The film will be shown in the HOPE Center (G204 East Campus) at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2012.

“Against My Will” follows the cases of three women who seek help from Dastak, a women’s center in Pakistan.  Focusing on women in crisis, the film highlights the grim pervasiveness of “honor killings.”  According to the Human Rights Commission, 227 Pakistani women were killed “in the name of honor” in 2000, and that number rose to 647 in 2009. UN figures indicate that, on a global scale, as many as 5000 women are the victims of “honor killings” each year.

A review of “Against My Will” that appeared in Al Jadid: Review of Arab Culture & Arts, observes that “The film does an excellent job of conveying the horror and humanity of the lives of these women.  They seem smart, articulate, and remarkably composed despite the fact that they live in fear, with the scars of their abuse and the complete alienation of their parents, siblings, extended family, and their own children.  Their strength and bravery is remarkable.”

Dr. Brink will discuss the film and address questions in an informal discussion period to follow the screening.  Light refreshments will be served.

The HOPE Center was opened in February 2009 and is housed in G204 East Campus. The hours of operation are 10 AM to 5 PM on Monday and Wednesday, 11 AM to 7 PM on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10 AM to 3 PM on Friday. The center provides a safe place for students to discuss issues regarding sex, gender, personal safety, sexual violence, and social justice. The HOPE Center also holds events throughout the year to raise awareness of issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and self-harm.

Visit http://www.lhup.edu/hope/ to learn more about the HOPE Center’s purpose and upcoming events.