As part of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence 2023, Dewis Choice hosted a film screening of their co-produced films aligned with this year’s global theme UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls. The screening offered a rare opportunity to gain insight into the distinct, and often overlooked, experiences of older people and domestic abuse, including the voices of older LGBTQ+ victim-survivors.

Guest speakers from West Wales Domestic Abuse Service shared information about their services, which are free and confidential to anybody in Ceredigion who is experiencing or affected by domestic abuse, emphasising inclusivity regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or financial circumstances.

George Jones, Head of Student Support and Development at Aberystwyth University closed the event highlighting the development of the sexual violence and misconduct service. George also provided further information for staff and students seeking guidance related to the events themes.

Following the screening, members of the Dewis Choice team and Student Services were on hand to facilitate discussions, answer queries, and offer additional support concerning domestic abuse and topics raised by the films.

The event featured the screening of the following of two films.

Content Warning: The films address and discuss domestic abuse, physical and sexual assault, threats and intimidation, and suicidal ideation.

The films are accessible for free online:

–‘Do You See Me?’: A film co-produced by Dewis Choice with older LGBTQ+ victim-survivors, offering an intimate look into domestic abuse from the real-life experiences of four older LGBTQ+ individuals. 

– Hidden Harms Animation: In partnership with Dewis Choice, Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board has created an animation to highlight the unique challenges of older victim-survivors of domestic abuse.  This short animation serves as a tool to help older adults and their family members identify domestic abuse and seek help and support. The animation is available in both English and in Welsh.

The screening took place alongside the Student Union Mini Winter Market in November 2023, during which Dewis Choice distributed the White Ribbon Day posters they co-created with the Aberystwyth University community. You can access a complimentary copy of the poster by clicking here.