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To a Safer Place

1987 58 min
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This inspiring film is the story of how one woman has come to terms with her life as a survivor of incest. Sexually abused by her father from infancy to early adolescence, Shirley Turcotte is now in her thirties and has succeeded in building a rich and full life. In To a Safer Place, Shirley takes a further step to reconcile her past and present. The film accompanies her as she returns to the people and places of her childhood. Her mother, brothers and sister, all of whom were also caught up in the cycle of family violence, openly share …

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This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
To a Safer Place

Details

This inspiring film is the story of how one woman has come to terms with her life as a survivor of incest. Sexually abused by her father from infancy to early adolescence, Shirley Turcotte is now in her thirties and has succeeded in building a rich and full life. In To a Safer Place, Shirley takes a further step to reconcile her past and present. The film accompanies her as she returns to the people and places of her childhood. Her mother, brothers and sister, all of whom were also caught up in the cycle of family violence, openly share their thoughts. Their frank disclosures will encourage survivors of incest to break through the silence and betrayal to recover and develop a sense of self-worth and dignity.

This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
  • director
    Beverly Shaffer
  • collaborating director
    Shirley Turcotte
  • editor
    Sidonie Kerr
  • narration
    Shirley Turcotte
    Gloria Demers
  • cinematography
    Joan Hutton
  • camera assistant
    Jill Stokvis
  • location sound
    Lorna Rasmussen
  • additional location sound
    Aerlyn Weissman
  • research
    Maureen McEvoy
  • assistant director locations
    Barbara Doran
  • assistant director editing
    Sidonie Kerr
  • sound editor
    André Galbrand
    Danuta Klis
  • foley
    Vital Millette
  • original music
    Loreena McKennitt
  • music editor
    Julian Olson
  • re-recording
    Jean-Pierre Joutel
  • titles
    Val Teodori
  • studio administrator
    Gisèle Guilbault
    Louise Pichette
    Sophie Lindsay
  • secretary
    Linda Paris Quillinan
  • producer
    Gerry Rogers
    Beverly Shaffer
  • executive producer
    Kathleen Shannon
    Barbara Janes
    Ginny Stikeman
    Rina Fraticelli

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Education

Ages 14 to 17
Study Guide
School subjects

This film delves into the topic of incest through the story of Shirley Turcotte. Your students can reflect on the journey that helped Shirley heal her scars, rebuild her life and learn to live again. They can also form groups to investigate or debate the values of integrity, love and respect. Ask them to identify resources in their community that protect these values.

To a Safer Place
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