Through the eyes of a child. Through the eyes of an adult. The effects of Domestic Violence.

One of our greatest challenges in the fight against childhood domestic violence is a lack of public awareness.

I’ve spent most of my career building awareness and helping those impacted by childhood domestic violence reach their full potential and break the cycle. I became a licensed child therapist because I wanted to help children for whom I had a similar background with . For the first time, I tell my story in “Mamalode” magazine. In that first article I don’t focus on the violence as a stand alone issue, as it’s a story about why I started my Go-To Mom Platform and the challenges I face today as mother, parenting expert and as a child survivor of domestic violence.

During the first week of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, “The Children Next Door” will hold its world premiere this week at the Hamptons International Film Festival. This documentary is the first of its kind, as it recounts the fear and pain of domestic violence through the eyes of a child.

This documentary movie trailer brought tears to my eyes. It was horrifying to say the least.  I was frozen in my chair watching in fear and felt helpless. I wanted to jump into video and rescue those terrified innocent kids. This subject hits a sensitive nerve in me as my childhood was constantly fraught with domestic violence, every minute of every day…Until my college boyfriend order me to go to counseling so I’d stop raging on him.

In this documentary Penny and Brad vowed when they fell in love to end the cycle. After a ten-year marriage plagued by waves of mounting violence, everything culminates into one horrific incident, which unfolds in front of their four children. The film opens five and a half years later, as the family continues to struggle with the impact of the violence that shaped their lives day after day. Chelsea, the eldest child, embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she begins to realize the inner strength she has gained from her experience and sees her true potential. View the trailer here.

Childhood domestic violence is domestic violence that takes place when children are present. UNICEF calls this “one of the most damaging unaddressed human rights violations in the world today.” 40 million U.S. adults experienced childhood domestic violence and the 5 million children who experience it each year are three times more likely to repeat what they learned as adults.

“One of our greatest challenges in the fight against childhood domestic violence is a lack of public awareness.” said Brian F. Martin, Founder and CEO of the Childhood Domestic Violence Foundation. “Childhood domestic violence is possible because it is a secret.  As soon as it is revealed, collectively we can intervene to stop it.” “The Children Next Door” addresses it head on and has the power to open a dialogue about a silent problem affecting millions of people around the world.” “This October, it is imperative that when thinking about domestic violence, we think equally of the children that are present in these homes”

Producer Lynda Hansen and Director Doug Block worked closely with the Childhood Domestic Violence Foundation throughout the production process. Premiering in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, “The Children Next Door” serves to focus the dialogue on the children that are so often present when violence occurs in the home.

For interviews with the family and filmmakers of “The Children Next Door” or to learn more about the issue of CDV, please contact Jillian Nannery at The TASC Group: 646-723-4344 or Jill@thetascgroup.com.

About The Childhood Domestic Violence Foundation: The Childhood Domestic Violence Foundation works to end the cycle of childhood domestic violence. CDVF is the only organization that focuses specifically on the effects that CDV can have on individuals and society as a whole. By focusing on the childhood experience, CDVF is able to bring positive change to those impacted and help them realize their true potential. Learn more at www.cdv.org.