UUSD to screen 'Sleeping with the Enemy,' discuss domestic violence May 6

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware First Friday Film series will feature “Sleeping with the Enemy” at 7 p.m., Friday, May 6. Julia Roberts stars in this thriller about a battered wife stalked by her abusive husband. Representatives from People’s Place, a local nonprofit that sponsors women’s domestic violence shelters, will lead the discussion after the movie. A potluck dinner before the film begins at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

People’s Place has three shelters located in Sussex and Kent counties. Abriendo Puertas (Open Doors) is for Spanish-speaking women and families. The other two shelters are part of the People’s Place SAFE Program (Shelter Advocacy Freedom and Empowerment).

Ceil Payne, a member of UUSD who serves on the board of People’s Place, says, “No community is immune from domestic violence. In fiscal year 2015, the three domestic violence shelters run by People's Place took in 109 adult survivors and 124 children. They also answered 1,396 hotline calls. With all that, 207 requests for shelter were unmet."

Don Peterson, chair of the Social and Environmental Justice Committee, says, “As a liberal faith that believes in the inherent worth and dignity of all persons, we, as a Unitarian Universalist congregation, are committed to reducing domestic violence through legislative advocacy, education, and support.“

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware are a vibrant and welcoming, progressive spiritual community with a faith rooted in love and justice. UUSD is dedicated to nurturing spiritual growth, embracing diversity, working for justice and striving for a loving world. Sunday services are held at 10 a.m. For more information, go to www.uussd.org.

UUSD is at 30486 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Route 9, Lewes. For more information, contact Karen Lunstead at 302-231-8192.