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Community Education Skits for Women Are Safe, Inc.
Women Are Safe, Inc. a domestic violence program serving Dickson, Hickman, Humphreys and Perry Counties in Middle Tennessee began using interactive skits to teach about the dynamics of domestic violence several years ago. The skits were originally written by Susan Bradford and Francine Stark for Spruce Run, a domestic violence program in Rhode Island. With their cooperation and permission, Women Are Safe has revised the skits for their own use.
Currently, Women Are Safe, Inc. uses the Married Skit for adult audiences and the Teen Skit for middle school and high school age children. The Married Skit features Stacy, a married woman and Ty, her husband in a violent relationship. Audience members read prepared lines for family, friends and community members, including a minister, doctor, school counselor, police officer, neighbor, lawyer, and a welfare worker. In the skit, Stacy begins by making excuses for her husband’s behavior and blaming herself for his abuse. Finally, she seeks help and leaves with her children to seek shelter. Throughout the skit, Ty manages to convince others that he is the wounded party and Stacy is overly emotional and unstable. Stacy must “jump through the hoops” of a system that has numerous and exhausting waiting lists, deadlines, fees, and requirements. At the conclusion, Stacy must decide whether to cooperate with unsupervised visitation for Ty and the children, or to return home so she can protect them. Those who have experienced this type of abuse instantly recognize the characters and may find it difficult to watch.
Through the skit, training participants will gain an appreciation for the process a survivor of domestic violence goes through as she experiences abuse and as she seeks support and services from her community. They will recognize the difficult choices battered women face as they try to end the abuse in their lives. Participants will understand the powerful messages used by a batterer to exert power and control. They can also observe the potential personal and professional roles in the community response to domestic abuse.
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