Sexual assault and domestic violence victims in many cases have had their voices muffled. To show that there are people fighting on behalf of victims, the Sedona International Film Festival and the Verde Valley Sanctuary present “I am Evidence,” a documentary that sheds light on the number of untested rape kits in the United States today.

Jennifer Perry, development director at Verde Valley Sanctuary, said the film showing serves a dual role: It will show that the epidemic is not only a national issue, but a local one, as well. It will also help bring continued awareness to campaigns such as the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, which are against sexual assault and domestic violence.

“April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we try to do different things for the public to help bring awareness to the issues surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault,” Perry said. “I researched [this film], and we worked with the Sedona International Film Festival, and here we are.”

The film follows several victims as they share their stories of wrongs against them, which helps show others across the nation that they are not alone in their battles for justice.

Additionally, the film can bring attention to local shortcomings in regard to resources not offered to sexual assault victims in the Verde Valley, such as the lack of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, who conducts rape kits.

“We don’t have a SANE nurse here in the Verde Valley, most people don’t know that,” Perry said. “So, if you are a victim of sexual assault, you have to report it to the police, and then if you do, they then have to go to the court and get approval to have the exam done. It’s not an automatic thing, and then you have to get to Prescott or Flagstaff. You can’t shower, you have to sit and wait to see if they think your case is worthy of you being examined,” Perry said. “The exam can be two to six hours long. It’s horrible. So you could be waiting 18 to 20 hours after a traumatic incident like that just to get the test …. So then you look at what they went through, and then they’re not even testing them? They’re sitting in a warehouse? It’s appalling.”

Despite there being exceptional medical and scientific abilities today, such as the use of DNA samplings to solve and prevent crimes, hundreds of thousands of kits, which may contain incriminating DNA evidence, are not tested.

“I am Evidence,” produced by Mariska Hargitay, follows several survivors who have waited years for their kits to be tested. These survivors share their sexual assault and domestic violence experiences to bring attention to their journey that may or may not have led to justice. The film also examines the role of law enforcement in solving rape cases. Several officials share their experiences in attempting to put an end to the perpetuated lack of justice for rape victims by working through the backlog and by continuing to pursue long-awaited justice in these cases.

The film traces the fates of these kits with the victims while they relive their trauma. Exploring what happens to their rape kits and the cost of the lingering weariness is revealed as victims and law enforcement go head-to-head with the counties and criminal justice systems nationwide.

With April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and campaigns like the #MeToo Movement and Time’s Up not disappearing, Perry said the screening of this film may not have come at a better time.

“This is a bigger issue, and this really demonstrates the core of the problem that we really belittle the victim,” she said. “So many victims, if they don’t fit a certain stereotype, oftentimes are neglected, and the system doesn’t help them. It’s an issue that has been swept under the rug for many, many years, and it’s finally coming into the forefront. This particular film exemplifies the severity of the problem.”

“I am Evidence” will show at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Thursday, April 26, at 7 p.m.

Following the showing, there will be a panel discussion facilitated by Perry, and the community will have a chance to hear from professionals across the board that in one shape or form have and continue to help victims throughout their journey to justice.

Those present during the panel will include Matthew Kelley, executive director of the Verde Valley Sanctuary; Clarkdale Police Sgt. Nicole Florisi, a Verde Valley Sanctuary board member; and Yavapai College Police Chief Jerald Monahan, law enforcement adviser to End Violence Against Women International.

Perry noted that if change is to come for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, the community needs to start talking and not let the conversation dwindle.

“I’m hoping to open the dialogue here in the Verde Valley about the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault, that it does happen here,” Perry said. “If you are a victim or you were a victim years ago, the trauma lasts a lifetime, and we’re here to help you. We need to talk about this. Victims need to have a voice. We need to let them be heard, and let them know they have help and they are not alone.” 

Makenna Lepowsky can be reached at 282-7795 ext. 126, or email mlepowsky@larsonnewspapers.com