When we talk about domestic violence, we simply mean behavior that can cause someone physical harm. Emotional abuse, sexual violence, and other threats all fall under the umbrella of domestic violence. In addition, almost ⅓ of women worldwide have gone through this drastic experience. As such, watching different domestic violence movies helps educate a lot of people that have violent tendencies to see how dangerous their actions could be.
LIFETIME MOVIES ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Generally, there are a lot of lifetime movie options of domestic violence to choose from. Some of which include;
#1. Prosecuting Casey Anthony:
This true-crime drama starring Rob Lowe as Jeff Ashton, the prosecutor in the infamous Casey Anthony murder trial, provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the prosecution’s case against Anthony and what led to the controversial verdict.
#2. Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story:
This scenery revolves around Liz Murray with elements like homelessness, an abusive grandfather, and excessive drug addiction. Liz Murray finished high school in two years. Then, won a scholarship to Harvard University through an essay contest sponsored by the New York Times.
#3. Mendez: The Blood Brothers:
This movie begins when entertainment mogul Jose Mendez and his wife were murdered by their sons. This movie is all about the abuse suffered by the infamous brothers and the motives behind their crimes.
#4. Cries Unheard: The Donna Yaklich Story:
After years of suffering at his hand, Donna Yaklich murdered her abusive, steroid-addicted husband. Basically, this domestic violence recounts her harrowing story through flashbacks narrated by her character to the son she loves dearly.
#5. The Two Mr. Kissels:
This drama recounts in lurid details vivid interviews surrounding the murders of Andrew and Robert Kissel, two real-life brothers neck-deep in dirty deeds. Starring John Stamos and Anson Mount as the titular brothers.
#6. Girl in the Box:
This domestic abuse movie is categorized by sexual abuse which is a form of domestic abuse. Colleen Stan was kidnapped while hitchhiking. A certain young couple held her prisoner for about seven years in a coffin-sized box. Basically, they only let her out to watch their children and participate in violent, sadistic sex. This drama is basically dark and psychological. As such it is not for the feeble-hearted.
#7. Gracie’s Choice:
Emotional abuse has its scenes in this domestic violence movie. “Gracie’s Choice” however is a movie centralized on drug addiction, emotional turmoil, and self-destruction. Kristen Bell and Anne Heche star in this emotional drama. Heche was Emmy-nominated for her performance.
#8. Drew Peterson: Untouchable:
Rob Lowe returns to Lifetime as Drew Peterson. The infamous, womanizing Chicago police officer accused of murdering his third wife after his fourth goes missing in a disappearance that remains unsolved. The movie also features Kaley Cuoco as Stacy Peterson, the missing fourth wife.
#9. A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story:
This documentary “A brave heart” is centered on the life of Lizzie Velasquez. She weighs about 58 pounds due to a rare syndrome that goes from a cyber-bullying victim to an anti-bullying activist.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MOVIES ON NETFLIX
Basically, you can never go wrong with Netflix. Some options are;
#10. A Vigilante (2019):
The movie “A Vigilante” is centered on Sadie Wilde. She is a domestic abuse survivor and as such she uses her time trying to find and punish abusers. This movie is basically a realistic revenge fantasy. Sadie Wilde is a really powerful character. Though her character takes action in a way that’s truly cinematic, however, the emotions driving all the characters feel so real.
#11. Gerald’s Game (2017):
This movie is based on Stephen’s book, “Gerald’s Game”. The villains in this film are very close to Jessie, the main character in the movie. Her husband Gerald, actually dies very early in the film though. He suffers a heart attack in this movie while trying to cuff Jesse to the bed. Jesse is trapped in her own thoughts. Ironically, she is also trapped physically. Basically, this movie is an intense thriller centered on domestic violence and abuse.
#12. Berlin Syndrome (2017)
Although the plot of this film is not based in fully based on realism. However, it serves as a metaphor for what domestic violence can look like. Clare had a one-night stand. But she is locked in Andi’s apartment. However, he doesn’t want to see her leave. For many people, the idea of leaving an abusive partner is like asking Clare, who is literally locked in Andi’s apartment, to just leave. While her walls are physical, the psychological walls are just as real for those enduring domestic violence. The Berlin Syndrome as a domestic violence movie does an apt job in showing us that it is never an easy decision for the abuser and survivor to “just leave”.
#13. Dangerous Intentions (1995)
The movie “Dangerous Intentions” really portrays this issue of domestic violence. This particular movie though is allegedly based on a true story. It follows the story of a woman dealing with an abusive husband. In addition to her plight, her parents don’t believe her. As we very much know, the legal system can be sometimes frustrating. However, she remains very strong-willed. Though they do not support or protect her.
#14. Private Violence (2014)
The statistics on domestic abuse are shockingly overwhelming though. This 2014 documentary zeroes in on a justice advocate and the domestic abuse survivor she’s representing. This film follows Deanna’s case, which is taken up by advocate Kit Gruelle, who herself is a survivor of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Movies FAQ’s
What is the most common domestic violence?
Pushing, restraining, slapping/punching, kicking, scratching, and other forms of physical abuse are examples. Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse usually begins verbally. Abusers use it to humiliate and demean their victims. Their purpose is to make their companion feel insignificant.
What does abuse do to a woman?
Physical abuse can result in a variety of chronic (long-term) health issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. Women who have been assaulted are more prone to suffer from depression, anxiety, or eating problems. Women who have been mistreated may turn to drink or drugs to cope.
What is the first stage of spousal abuse?
The indicators of abuse are beginning to emerge during the initial stage of tension building. More disputes may occur between the abuser and the victim, accusations may be leveled, and the victim may begin to believe that she is doing nothing wrong. In fact, if she disagrees with her partner, she feels afraid of exacerbating the problem.
