'Behind Closed Doors': Domestic Violence Talk Unfolds In Hamptons

SAG HARBOR, NY — A spotlight will shine on the issue of domestic violence at the Sag Harbor Cinema Sunday as an event meant to shatter the stigma unfolds.

"Behind Closed Doors: A frank conversation about abuse in our community," is presented by the Sag Harbor Cinema's "Projections" education initiative on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. at the theater, located at 90 Main Street in Sag Harbor.

The event will also feature a showing of the film "Gaslight."

The discussion features speaker including Nicole Behrens, an advocate and survivor; Susan Bereche, an attorney for The Retreat, a not-for-profit agency in East Hampton offering support and services for victims of domestic violence; The Retreat's Prevention Education Director Helen Atkinson-Barnes; SPARK case manager Viviana Bishop; and Minerva Perez, executive director of Organización Latino-Americana, or OLA. The discussion will be moderated by Diana Diamond, PhD.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And in recent weeks, the story of Gabby Petito's last days and death has become a rallying cry for advocates fighting against the nationwide problem of domestic violence.

Authorities have not said whether boyfriend Brian Laundrie was responsible for her homicide; he officially has been called "a person of interest" in her death. However, advocates — and victims — view the case as a symbol of an all-too-common situation in desperate need of greater awareness and change.