An animation we produced featuring testimonies from survivors of domestic abuse and stalking has won a top UK award for Best Charity Film at the Third Sector Excellence Awards in London.

 We made Gemma’s Story  for researchers at Glasgow Caledonian to highlight their study on women’s experiences of the Scottish criminal justice system after reporting coercive control and stalking. The script used direct quotes from interviews with the survivors.

 The judges said: “Strong message in the film with an incredibly powerful ending. Objectives achieved and with a relatively low budget for a campaign that is about changing the system rather than frontline support.”

 media co-op Director Claire Dean said: “The team are delighted to win this award for a film which allows survivors of domestic abuse and stalking to share their experiences of what happens to them when they report these horrific crimes.

 We hope the words of those who’ve been through the criminal justice system will be heard loud and clear by those who can make improvements and ensure women in the future not only get the justice they deserve, but are fully supported and safe at all times.”

 The project, carried out by Prof. Nancy Lombard and Dr. Katy Proctor, was funded by the Scottish Government’s Justice Analytical Services.

 Prof. Lombard said:”We are honoured to accept this award and want to dedicate it to all the women who took part in our research.

 This film highlights their bravery and illustrates the struggles many women continue to face when reporting coercive control and stalking.

 We hope our film, and the other films nominated in our category, help to raise awareness about these significant social issues.”