Asbury Movie Premiere Highlights Important Topics

September 30, 2021

The Asbury University Media Communication department in collaboration with Hollywood veteran Nancy Stafford (Matlock, Magnum P.I., Who’s the Boss?), Asbury alumna Katie Oostman ’15 and Professor Doug Smart produced an original film called Damaged Goods. The movie, starring Hannah Alline, explores the difficult and culturally relevant topics of abuse, alcoholism, and family and relationship dysfunction.

“Our goal was to create a film that was real as well as project hope for the future,” said Dr. Jim Owens, dean of the Asbury School of Communication Arts and professor of Media Communication. “I am very proud of their work! Damaged Goods is a film that we believe will resonate with our audience. It is honest and straight-forward while projecting hope in difficult times.”

Damaged Goods recently won Best Narrative Feature at the Knoxville Film Festival and was also selected for entry at NewFilmmakers NY, Louisville’s International Festival of Film, LA Femme International Film Festival, and Hollywood Women’s Film Institute: Hollywood Women’s International Film Festival. Read more about the film.

The movie explores difficult topics, and its creators hope that it will allow for healing and restoration for those who have suffered abuse. Please see these potential resources if you or someone you know needs support.

• National Sexual Assault Hotline
  Free. Confidential. 24/7. 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• NAASCA National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
  Assists adult survivors of child abuse achieve meaningful recovery and offers resources to inform the community of the need to help the most vulnerable among us
• ASCA Adult Survivors Of Childhood Abuse
  An international support group program designed specifically for adult survivors of neglect, physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse

Christian Counseling and Hotlines

• New Life Clinics
  Nationwide network of licensed Christian Therapists.
  1-800-NEW-LIFE
• Association of Christian Counselors
  1-800-526-8673
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Celebrate Recovery
  Program of local groups to help those struggling with hurts, hang-ups and habits by showing them the loving power of Christ through the recovery process.
• The Rape Foundation
  Bringing state-of-the-art, comprehensive care to rape victims and sexually abused children; prevention programs to reduce the incidence of these crimes; and giving training to victim service providers to enhance the treatment victims receive wherever they turn for help.
• Darkness to Light
  Preventing Child Sexual Abuse
• The Mama Bear Effect
  Resources for families and communities to prevent child sexual abuse.
• Stop it Now! 1-888-PREVENT
• Child Abuse Hotline/Dept of Social Services 1-800-342-3720
• Missing Children Help Center 1-800-872-5437
• Youth Crisis Hotline 1-800-448-4663
• S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT

Domestic Violence Resources

• National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE
• National Domestic Violence Hotline Spanish 1-800-942-6908
• Battered Women and their Children 1-800-603-HELP
• Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310

General Christian Counseling Services

• New Life Clinics 1-800-NEW-LIFE
• National Prayer Line 1-800-4-PRAYER
• Liberty Godparent Ministry 1-800-368-3336
• Grace Help Line 24 Hour Christian service 1-800-982-8032
• The 700 Club Hotline 1-800-759-0700
• Want to know Jesus? 1-800-NEED-HIM
• Biblical help for youth in crisis 1-800-HIT-HOME
• Rapha National Network 1-800-383-HOPE
• Emerge Ministries 330-867-5603
• Association of Christian Counselors 1-800-526-8673

Addiction Recovery

• Alcoholics Anonymous www.aa.org
• Families Anonymous 1-800-736-9805
• Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357
• National Assoc. for Children of Alcoholics 1-888-554-2627
• Alcoholics for Christ 1-800-441-7877

Refuge for Women

At the October 1 premiere of Damaged Goods in Lexington, the producers also welcomed representatives from Kentucky-based Refuge for Women to learn more about the local resources available to help women who have suffered from sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Refuge for Women is a non-profit, faith-based organization providing specialized, restorative care at no charge for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation. Refuge for Women believes in offering healing hope to women who have suffered sexual abuse, as most trafficking victims were victims of abuse beginning at a young age.