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Behind Closed Doors is director Libby Burke Wilde’s second film in collaboration with The First Step, an independent domestic abuse service in Knowsley.
Through the film’s nuanced narrative, we see how domestic violence can manifest in insidious ways, purposefully foregrounding the maternal victims who are often overlooked.
The film was developed with the support and insight of survivors of domestic abuse from Knowsley, who wanted to highlight how coercive control can manifest through subtle behaviours, often portrayed as expressions of love. The film is released in The First Steps’ 30th anniversary year, highlighting the crucial work the charity does to help women recognise coercive control and how to protect themselves from perpetrators in the home.
The story follows Jo (Sacha Parkinson, Coronation Street), whose partner Sam (Joe Gill, Emmerdale) gradually isolates her from friends and family, attempting to gaslight her into believing she is having a mental health crisis. The film reveals that Sam’s mother is also a victim of his abuse and control, and like Jo, can recognise these patterns, and find the help and support to leave.
Credits
View on-
- Production Company New Land
- Director Libby Burke Wilde
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Credits
View on- Production Company New Land
- Director Libby Burke Wilde
- Ad Agency Media Trust
- Editing tenthree
- Editing OkayStudio
- Executive Producer Michaela Lowe
- Creative Alex Kosterman
- Executive Producer/Managing Director Trine Pillay
- Executive Producer Stephanie Walton
- Art Director Liv Walters
- Producer Molly Singer
- DP Thomas Hole
- Editor Ella Oliver
- Assistant Editor Reuben Williams
- Colorist Jax Harney
- Sound Design Marco Blarzino
- Copmposer Crea Sullivan
Explore full credits, grab hi-res stills and more on shots Vault
Credits
powered by- Production Company New Land
- Director Libby Burke Wilde
- Ad Agency Media Trust
- Editing tenthree
- Editing OkayStudio
- Executive Producer Michaela Lowe
- Creative Alex Kosterman
- Executive Producer/Managing Director Trine Pillay
- Executive Producer Stephanie Walton
- Art Director Liv Walters
- Producer Molly Singer
- DP Thomas Hole
- Editor Ella Oliver
- Assistant Editor Reuben Williams
- Colorist Jax Harney
- Sound Design Marco Blarzino
- Copmposer Crea Sullivan
Wilde’s previous film with The First Step, Control at Christmas, aimed to raise awareness of domestic abuse during the festive period, which year on year, sees a spike in reports and incidents. The film drove over 10,000 visitors to the charity’s website, proof that the right message can help those caught in a cycle of domestic abuse recognise that resources are available and that they are not alone.
This is especially significant as the 2023 Femicide Census identified Knowsley as having the highest rate of women killed by men, with domestic abuse-related murders accounting for 85% of all femicides, compared with 75% nationally.
“Some forms of abuse don’t leave visible bruises. Coercive control thrives in silence, and in the UK it has reached epidemic levels.
While researching this film with Jenny, Community Domestic Abuse Manager at The First Step, I was shocked and horrified by the statistics surrounding domestic abuse in Merseyside. One statistic in particular stayed with us, one in five domestic violence femicide victims in the UK are mothers. It’s a truth our script touches upon as coercive control is often a precursor to femicide.
If this film helps even one person recognise the signs and take the first step towards safety, then it matters. If you see the warning signs in your own life or someone else’s, don’t stay silent, reach out if it is safe to do so.” said Wilde
"We hope the impact of the film gives people the language to name what’s happening, the strength to seek help, and the hope to believe in life beyond abuse." adds Jenny Dennett Community Domestic Abuse Manager at The First Step.
