Film screening: "The Invisible War"

Wednesday 3 October 2012

UN Women Australia Adelaide Chapter and The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre will be screening a groundbreaking investigative documentary about the epidemic of rape within the US military.

The Invisible War (http://invisiblewarmovie.com/) winner of the 2012 Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. 

UN Women Australia's spring campaign 2012 is encouraging people to say no to violence against women and to not be a bystander to violence against women.  Funds raised from this film screening and other fundraising activities during the UN Women Australia's Spring Campaign in 2012 will go towards supporting projects through the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women.

Its a US based groundbreaking investigative documentary about one of America's most shameful and best kept secrets: the epidemic of rape within the US military. The film paints a startling picture of the extent of the problem today.  A female soldier in combat zones is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire. The US Department of Defence estimates there were a staggering 19,000 violent sex crimes in the military in 2010. The Invisible War exposes the epidemic, breaking open one of the most under-reported stories of our generation, to the nation and the world.

The screening will be followed by facilitated discussion with Dr Ben Wadham, Flinders University, expert on critical civil-military relations.

Light refreshments will be available before the screening in the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery from 6.00pm.  The film screening will commence at 6.30pm in the Allan Scott Auditorium.

Contact UN Women at: adelaide@unwomen.org.au or mobile: 0488 147 087.

The Invisible War is a powerful documentary that raises many challenging questions and may also trigger overwhelming emotions for many viewers.

The following contacts are suggested for professional support if needed:

• The national sexual assault and domestic violence counselling service - 24 hour free call - 1800 737732
• Yarrow Place, The South Australian adult rape and sexual assault service. They provide counselling and advocacy support. 
  Phone (08) 82268777 or TOLL free in SA 1800 817 421 After Hours/ emergency (08) 82268787
• Lifeline 24 hour crisis support line - 13 11 14

While the views presented by speakers within the Hawke Centre public program are their own and are not necessarily those of either the University of South Australia or The Hawke Centre, they are presented in the interest of open debate and discussion in the community and reflect our themes of:strengthening our democracy - valuing our diversity - and building our future.

The copying and reproduction of any transcripts within the Hawke Centre public program is strictly forbidden without prior arrangements.