Make a Recommendation Monday [7/13/2020]
Today's recommendation is one that may bring about some intense emotions or thoughts for some viewers, please watch with caution.
I recently watched "I was Lorena Bobbitt", a Lifetime Network film released this year. The film, starring Dani Montalvo as Lorena, chronicles the experiences prior to the incident that brought national attention to her name. Lorena was married to John Bobbitt (played by Luke Humphrey), and the film shares the abuse that she experienced over several years during the tulmultuous relationship. Lorena, who now goes by Lorena Gallo, helped create the film as well as narrates parts of it. The media stories often only capture one image/story, Lorena cutting off her husband's male "appendage" [how it is often referred to]. However, what is left out from the original news stories is how her husband was charged with (yes he was found not guilty) of marital sexual assault, how she called the police on him several times, and the psychological, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse that she reports was a constant reality for her in the relationship.
Lorena was found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity. You'll see/hear what that means in Virginia in 1993. It is a sad world where her experiences and reactions must be tied to "insanity", whereas his are free from any such link.
Although the film is intense at times, it does offer an inside look at a woman's strength through an extremely difficult period of time and afterward going forward. For those of you interested, Lorena now has a foundation for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention education, as well as resources for survivors and family.
For more information, visit her website online at www.lorenagallofoundation.org or Lorena Gallo Foundation Facebook page. You can also view the trailer for the film mentioned above on this website.
You can also learn more by listening to Women & Crime 's podcast episode 17 released on May 21, 2020, where hosts Amy and Meghan interview Dani Montalvo, Luke Humphrey, and Lorena Gallo.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please visit thehotline.org (where you can chat with an advocate) and find resources, or call 1-800-799-7233 (24/7 hotline).
(Photo credit: Lorena Gallo Foundation site
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