[Mending Spirits] portrays leaving an abusive relationship as a process rather than an event, which accurately describes what the experience is like for so many abused women. A good discussion of the wide ranges of emotions that women experience not just the obvious ones like fear, shame, and guilt but also the pain of loss. All in all, it conveys a powerful, upbeat message of hope that victims can become survivors, find a better life, heal, and thrive.


Bonnie E. Carlson, Ph.D., CSW
University at Albany
State University of New York
Co-Author of "Inmates and Their
Wives: Incarceration and Family
Life (Studies in Social Welfare
Policies and Programs)"

 

Three out of four stars.
...absorbing.
[an] overwhelming sense...of fostering female self-empowerment through a community of survivors.
Definitely recommended.


A. Cantu
Video Librarian Catalog
September/October 2006 Issue
http://www.videolibrarian.com

 

[The film] would be quite useful in courses on domestic violence, or gender issues in general. The film is visually interesting, not just the usual talking heads seen in such types of films. I thought the film was well done, touching and uplifting. Congrats. I have taught such courses since 1980 and have used many such films; this is one of the best.


Elaine Leeder
Dean of the School of Social Sciences
Professor of Sociology
Sonoma State University
Author of "The Family in Global
Perspective: A Gendered Journey"

 

Mending Spirits is a unique film that focuses on the strength of battered women and their ability to live free of
violence while accurately portraying the many barriers and challenges they face during that journey to freedom.


Nancy Neylon
Executive Director
Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Columbus, Ohio

 

Mending Spirits should be required viewing for all high school students.

The filmmaker succeeds in conveying the women's stories in an empathic and respectful manner without
turning the lens away from the harsh realities of the subject matter.

An excellent documentary that is educational as well as inspirational - definitely not to be missed.


Lara Pienaar
Mental Healthcare Counselor
South Africa

 

Mending Spirits brings to life the impact of domestic violence on all its women victims and the strength the
women show as they rebuild their lives. Plunkett never resorts to sentimentality but instead the viewer begins
to recognize  the great struggle these women go through as they strive to reclaim their lives.

An inspiring documentary from an impassioned filmmaker and a worthwhile addition to any social and
behavioral science library.


Robert H. Keefe, Ph.D.
School of Social Work
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14534

Mending Spirits is both a beautiful and inspirational film and an essential reference for therapists who work
with abused women. Women recovering from abuse will find inspiration and empowerment in their stories;
therapists will gain new insight into the stages of the healing process.


Lou Sauer, Ph.D., Psychologist,
Professional Clinical Counselor
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, Ohio

Mending Spirits is a thoughtful exploration of the effects of domestic violence on victims of abuse. The three women around whom the film revolves have been out of their abusive relationships long enough to have perspective on their pasts and to have moved to new and positive places in their lives. As the title indicates, the film shows that recovery is possible. This film would facilitate understanding as well as discussions of domestic violence in women and gender studies courses as well as courses in marriage and family.


Sarah H. Matthews, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, Ohio