Blindsided

“The filmmaker, who had extraordinary access to the life and home movies of a woman who has lost her sight and hearing, handles the material with honesty, generosity of spirit, and loving skill. This film took my breath away and provides enormous insights into domestic violence, adaptation, and survival.”

“Blindsided is a harrowing depiction of partner abuse, but it also shows how for many survivors, partner abuse is only one of the issues they’re facing. Patricia is a lesbian struggling with a progressive disability who is also being battered, but the film does not separate out or tokenize the realities of her life. Instead the film’s full-bodied portrayal allows Patricia to move from the margins to center stage. The film also lets us see how abusers manipulate and lie (including to themselves), in order to maintain control.”

“Blindsided tells the story of a woman who loses her sight and hearing due to a degenerative disease all while attempting to flee from an abusive partner. Her journey out of darkness and into recovery is remarkable. The film both inspires and horrifies the viewer because of its candid portrayals of abuser and victim. This film helps answer the question many people have –why don’t victims leave?”

“The filmmaker, like a therapist practicing Freud’s stance of ‘evenly hovering attention,’ lets the characters speak for themselves.”

“As the Chief Executive Officer of United Cerebral Palsy of MetroBoston, Inc., it is with pleasure I endorse your documentary Blindsided. The movie is an excellent example of how people with disabilities often face major obstacles in their lives but with the right amount of persistence and supports, they are able to overcome adversities and lead productive, fulfilling lives. Your creativity and ability to chronicle and capture the passion of the story is to be commended. In addition, as an adjunct professor at Northeastern University, I would be happy to utilize the movie as part of the curriculum in the course I teach called “Culture and Diversity”. I believe your movie would be an excellent example in educating students to be more understanding of a woman with multiple diverse issues and how future therapists might be able to best support her.”

“For Domestic Violence Awareness Month the LGBTQIA Safe Zone Hub at LaGuardia Community College screened Blindsided to depict the nuances of domestic violence, intersectional identities, and independence. Blindsided encouraged students to interact intentionally with the material presented since the abuse was not just physical, but emotional and mental. Through Lisa Olivieri’s documentary students were able to identify numerous abusive habits and patterns that are not often discussed in mainstream media. This documentary is an excellent tool for domestic violence awareness and to understand the complexities of varying identities.”

“I was searching for a video to help me discuss LGBTQ+ abusive relationships while training new staff and volunteers at our Domestic Violence Agency when I saw an interview from a news network in Greater Boston. After viewing it, I knew it was perfect for my training class. It is the only documentary that discusses domestic violence that even comes close to showing the true nature of the problem. Every other film on the subject uses the same mold: the victim is healthy, capable, and the ideal spouse and the perpetrator (almost always a male) is extremely violent all the time and usually has a problem with drugs or alcohol. It was so refreshing to see a story that showed how, even in violent relationships, there can be good times too, as well as pointing out that anyone can experience it.”

“The YWCA of Greater Lawrence Domestic Violence Program will be using Blindsided to educate and inform volunteers, interns, and staff members about domestic violence against persons with disabilities and domestic violence within LGBTQ relationships. During our new volunteer, intern, and staff trainings, we will implement the film and exchange a dialogue about ways we can advocate for Patricia. We are excited and thankful to have this film as a resource for our agency.”

The Network/La Red ​is a bilingual, grassroots, survivor‐led organization working to end domestic violence in LGBQ/T, SM, and polyamorous communities, through community organizing and education, movement‐building, and providing direct services. They will use Blindsided in these efforts and to train their staff and volunteers.

Kansas City Anti Violence Project ​intends to use Blindsided as a teaching tool for their interns and volunteers who provide direct services to LGBTQ survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and hate crimes. It serves as an excellent entry point to discussing domestic violence experienced by LGBTQ survivors who have a disability because it focuses on an individual’s story.

SAFEHOME ​is making the film available for their staff as a continuing education opportunity for domestic violence advocates, therapists, community educators, and leadership/administration. It is also on their list of required films that new interns must watch while they are training and shadowing for their new positions in either advocacy (shelter and outreach) or community education.