02 October 2012
An award winning documentary investigating sexual violence within the U.S. military will be screened at the University of South Australia on October 3.
The Invisible War, by Oscar nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick, will be presented by the UNWomen Australia’s Adelaide Chapter and the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre as part of the UNWomen Australia’s Spring Campaign: ‘Don’t Be A Bystander: Say No To Violence Against Women.’
Chair of the UNWomen Australia Adelaide Chapter and Associate Director of Gender Consortium at Flinders University Dr Anu Mundkur says the film explores the extent and prevalence of sexual violence in the US Military.
“The Invisible War shows how damaging these experiences have been to women, men and their families, the tendency of the military to cover up the problem, and the difficulty many experience in talking about their situations as many had met with reprisals,” she says.
“It is a very moving film that calls for a radical change within the culture of the military and asks the question why there is impunity for such acts of violence when most militaries across the world have a zero – tolerance policy as far as sexual violence goes.”
The documentary, which won the Audience Award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, showcases interviews with military personnel, law makers, and advocates, as well as veterans who have survived assault but have faced difficulties in seeking justice.
Funds raised from the film screening will go towards the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women, which has awarded $78 million in grants to support 339 initiatives in 127 countries since its inception in 1996.
The film will be followed by a facilitated discussion with Dr Ben Wadham, an ex-infantry soldier and military investigator.
“We want people to be able to participate in an informed manner in discussions around the issue of sexual violence and the military,” Dr Mundkur says.
“This issue is not unique to the US. We hope people will come along, see the film and do their part in supporting an end to violence against women.”
Director of UniSA’s Hawke Centre Elizabeth Ho says the Centre is proud to be partnering with UNWomen Australia to bring this important issue to the attention of the wider community.
“By partnering with the UNWomen, we hope to shed greater light on the general issue of insidious and unjust treatment of women in the military.”
Light refreshments will be provided in the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery from 6pm with the film commencing shortly after in the Allan Scott Auditorium at 6.30pm.
For ticket details and inquiries contact Heather Barnes on 0488 147 087 or email adelaide@unwomen.org.au.
@UNWomenAdelaide and @TheHawkeCentre are on Twitter.
Contact for interview:
Dr Anu Mundkur mobile: 0410 125 992 email: anuradha.mundkur@flinders.edu.au
Dr Ben Wadham email: ben.wadham@flinders.edu.au
Media Contact
Michèle Nardelli office: 08 8302 0966 mobile: 0418 823 673 email: michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
