DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS RAISING EVENT SCHEDULED

 HARRISBURG, SEPT. 27 – To increase awareness of the issue of domestic violence, state Sen. Connie Williams is hosting a free screening and discussion of “An Empty Place at the Table” on Thursday, Oct. 20^th at 7 p.m. in the Bryn Mawr Film Institute.

 “The documentary illustrates the very real impact of domestic violence – on people, on families and on communities,” Williams said. “It also creates a forum for discussion. I am utilizing this as an opportunity to open a dialog and to educate people. As more people become aware and understand this crime, we hopefully can begin to reduce the statistics and in the process we will save lives.”

 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The month was designated as a time to mourn those who have died as a result of domestic abuse, celebrate those who survived and raise public consciousness about violence in the home.

 “An Empty Place at the Table” is a documentary that combines investigative journalism and personal stories to confront the traumatic realities of domestic violence. Narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon, the film provides a forum for the voices of law, government, healthcare and human rights. It includes interviews with surviving family members and stories of how the murders of two women and one child in a 22-day span during the summer of 1993 inspired an extraordinary art exhibit.

 Seating at Bryn Mawr Film Institute is limited to 350. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the film beings at 7 p.m. and lasts for 28 minutes, and a panel discussion will follow the screening. Public participation in the discussion is encouraged.

 For more information call Williams’ offices at either 610-992-9790 or 610-853-5433.