By Amanda Knox

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is upfront with the sobering statistics. On average in the U.S., every single minute nearly twenty people are physically abused by an intimate partner. This adds up to ten million people a year. Ten million people who suffer from physical and emotional wounds. Ten million people at the beginning of the long and difficult path towards healing. Ten million people with a story.

Tacoma-based actress Melinda Raebyne was one them. Indeed, she’s been the victim of physical abuse on multiple occasions and, like so many victims, suffered wounds far more than skin deep. Studies show that there is a high correlation between suffering domestic violence and suffering symptoms of post-traumatic stress: depression, anxiety, hypervigilance, substance abuse. Raebyne had to struggle long and hard against trauma-induced mental illness in order to find herself again. Part of her healing has come about by sharing the victim’s story of domestic violence—their pain and their power to overcome.

Raebyne wrote a fictionalised screenplay of her true events, sought out the testimonies of other victims, and the research of concerned groups, such as the YMCA. The response from these similarly touched groups and individuals have informed, inspired, and encouraged Raebyne to bring her story to the screen.

Raebyne’s short film, Asylum, filmed in Seattle and Snohomish, is in the production process and has gathered together a team of talented creatives, including West Seattle-based writer, actress, and producer Alder Sherwood. Sherwood was impressed by Raebyne’s ability to both acknowledge the darkest depths of hurt as well was advocate an ultimate message of hope and encouragement. According to Raebyne, the abuse doesn’t define the victim. The victim defines him/herself by taking the reins of their own story.

While the cast and crew are putting together this project pro-bono, Raebyne’s production team welcomes financial and in-kind donations for key aspects of the film’s production for which they will need assistance. Once the film’s production is complete, Raebyne and Sherwood look forward to submitting the film to festivals and spreading awareness. For more information, Asylum has both Facebook and GoFundMe pages.