"Behind Closed Doors: A Special Virtual Reading"
Behind Closed Doors, the riveting original play written by 15 survivors of domestic violence and members of SOAR, returned to a virtual audience on May 12, 2021. This play, which premiered in 2012 and has been performed to sold-out audiences throughout the years, is a true account of domestic violence, hope and survival. The play draws audiences into the lives of survivors to dispel the stigmas of this often misunderstood abuse, making Behind Closed Doors a must-see event.
Intended for mature audiences only: Explicit Content, Strong Language
"It was the most compelling presentation regarding domestic violence I have seen. With real life stories presented in a creative way, the play took the audience from early warning signs of domestic violence, to psychological control and physical abuse, to escape and finally ongoing survivorship; it encompassed all aspects of the cycle of violence. The strength of the women presenting their stories was inspiring on many levels. Everyone should view this play, especially young people starting out in new relationships."
-Peter F. Kilmartin, former Rhode Island Attorney General
"Behind Closed Doors was such an inspiring, educational, and emotional presentation. Going in, I was prepared to listen to women's stories about domestic violence, but I had no idea that I would be leaving with a realization of how common and destructive domestic violence is."
-Attendee
"I would like to start off by saying that this was the most influential school event that I have been to in my college career. The courage that these women put on display to tell their stories was something that I had never seen before. I am thankful that I was there to witness it."
-Student
[March 31, 2021] It is a common misconception that when women leave their abuser, things get better. Because there is help through police, advocates, or courts, many believe the domestic violence ends. This is not always true. In fact, what usually takes place is this: Abusers find new ways to abuse - often through children. 
[February 16, 2021] I spent two years with someone who frequently abused me, both physically and emotionally. Each time I would try to leave, my abuser would physically restrain me within the apartment in which we lived. When I reported the abuse to police, he would be arrested but was typically bailed out on the same day, returning back and continuing his abuse. At the time, I had nowhere else to try and flee to.
[November 30, 2020] As a child who witnessed domestic abuse, I believed abuse was only physical. I saw daddy hitting mommy too many times. I was too young to see the other forms of abuse that took place under the surface. The emotional abuse and manipulation my mother suffered were just part of the family dynamic.