Eavesdropping just isn’t what it used to be. And last week was no exception. I was at Target looking for a new dress, and the woman on the phone next to was looking for something else entirely.

 

I’m scared. I don’t trust him. He’s into drugs and stuff. He called me this morning but doesn’t know where I am, the woman searching through the clothing racks next to me was saying. Whoever “he” was sounded like a real jerk. “He” frightened the woman and she told her friend that she didn’t think a locked door would stop him. She hid for the night and he’d called her and listed places he thought she was. “He” apologized, she told her friend. She wasn’t sure what to do.

 

I felt horrible for listening to what had to be a domestic abuse case in the works. And frustrated that the woman next to me—mid to late 30s—in nursing scrubs was hiding out in clothing racks at a Target on the phone with a friend afraid her drug pushing boyfriend was going to do something bad to her and frustrated that she wasn’t taking more steps to protect herself.

 

The woman moved on toward the clearance section, and I shook my head. Sad. But what exactly can a stranger in the skirts section say?

 

For many of us, domestic abuse and family violence are women’s issues that often get lost in the myriad of awareness campaigns, organizations, and non-profits vying for our attention, our money and our compassion.

 

The Texas Council on Family Violence reports 138 women were killed in 2008 as a result of family violence. Over 193,000 cases of family violence were reported and thousands more victims received either shelter, counseling, legal services or both.

 

It doesn’t matter what color ribbon, marathon or mixer you go to: battery and assault of women and children is one issue that women simply can’t ignore. And this year, the Oscar nominated film Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire has forced us all to acknowledge the issues of family violence and sexual abuse within our communities.

 

“Precious is pushed to move forward in her life. The audience is pushed to really see this person (she is blurred out at one point when the camera shoots a crowded sidewalk, then pulls her into clear focus.) We're being pushed to recognize the importance of this film. I would like to push a further argument that, if we can appreciate extreme films like “Precious,” we also open more cameras' lenses to other less-visible members of society,” writes Gina Carbone for Seacoastonline.com, “I'm glad “Precious” was here to help open that door. Now push through it.”

 

And if maybe you’ve seen the promos, snippets on TV or heard about the film and haven’t might made that commitment to do so, take advantage of an opportunity to help other women and children in the area by seeing the movie.

 

On Tuesday March 23, you can help The Family Place, the city’s largest family violence service provider, by attending a free screening of the film Precious at the Royal Lane Studio Movie Grill in Dallas. The Family Place auxiliary group Helping Hands is organizing the March 23 event and a suggested donation of $10 will go directly to The Family Place. There will be $2 off beer and burger specials and Family Place staff counselors will host a question and answer session after the film.

 

Attendees are asked to RSVP for the event as seating is limited.

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