Until now. - Finding Jenn`s Voice

Homicide is the leading cause of death
during pregnancy.
But no one is talking about it.
Until now.
A DOCUMENTARY FILM
THE FILM
Finding Jenn’s Voice is an award-winning* documentaryfilm that
reveals a little known fact:
Homicide is the leading cause of death during pregnancy!
When Jennifer Snyder is murdered by her married boyfriend after
she becomes pregnant, her family is thrown into a nightmare of
grief, accusations and media frenzy. A week after her murder, Jenn’s
aunt contacts the filmmaker and asks for her help in telling Jenn’s
story. So begins a four year journey into the world of intimate
partner violence, experienced by many, but understood by few.
Finding Jenn’s Voice examines the characteristics of controlling and
coercive relationships and provides viewers with information that
could save their lives. Top domestic violence experts provide the
latest research on the topic, while conversations with women who
have survived homicide attempts put a face on the problem and
give a voice to the victims.
Finding Jenn’s Voice is a suspenseful and emotional ride through the
terror of living with the threat of being killed by someone that you
love. The film provides a timely expose of intimate partner violence
that looks beyond the black eye.
TRT: 01:13:22
Format: Shot on 2 K Digital Cinema (Canon C300)
Delivery: DCP, Full HiDef ProRes Digital, BluRay
Private Screener on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/user5334608/findingjennsvoice
Password protected - contact the filmmaker for access
*Finding Jenn’s Voice is the recipient of the 2015 NASW Media Award for
Best Documentary. The National Association of Social Workers is a 132,000
member organization.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
press
release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tragic Event Inspires Documentary and Opens Discussion about the
Leading Cause of Death in Pregnant Women
Documentary Film Finding Jenn’s Voice is completed
READING, PA - In 2011, Allentown, PA resident, Jennifer Snyder was murdered by her married boyfriend,
Veterinarian, David Rapoport, after he learned that she was pregnant. Dr. Rapoport was sentenced to
two life terms for his crimes. A week after Jenn’s death, Filmmaker Tracy Schott was approached by
Jennifer’s aunt to commit the story and the troubling broader social dialogue to film.
In production for more than three years, the film features the commentary of many intimate partner
violence experts including: Dr. Diana Cheng – OB/Gyn, Director of Women’s Health, Maryland Dept. of
Health and Medical Hygiene; Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell – Professor of Nursing, Johns Hopkins, Dr. David
Adams, Psychologist and author of “Why do they kill?: Men who kill their intimate partners”, and Dr.
Rae Taylor – Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Loyola University .
Through conversations with these experts and survivors of intimate partner homicide attempts, we learn
that there are many cases like Jenn’s. Finding Jenn’s Voice paints a picture of the anatomy of abusive
relationships that looks beyond the black eye. Ultimately, it is the survivors who help us to find Jenn’s
voice, and to understand the dangers overlooked by so many. Their insights and experiences allow the
film to give a voice to the voiceless, and leave the viewer with a message that is hard to forget.
The filmmakers of Finding Jenn’s Voice are currently applying to international film festivals to reach
film audiences and distributors. Eventually the film will be offered directly to colleges and educational
institutions in hopes of reaching young audiences who most need to hear the film’s message.
More information about the film can be found at www.findingjennsvoice.com.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
Synopsis
Finding Jenn’s Voice
Logline
Homicide is the leading cause of death during pregnancy.
But no one is talking about it.
Until now.
Synopsis (short)
After a pregnant woman is murdered by her married boyfriend, the filmmaker learns that homicide is
the leading cause of death during pregnancy, and seeks to discover the characteristics of potentially
homicidal relationships. Conversations with experts and survivors of intimate partner homicide attempts
provide a picture of the anatomy of abusive relationships, while law enforcement and the people
who loved Jenn alert us to the signs that she missed. Along the way, the media is taken to task for its
ineffective reporting of domestic violence homicides. Ultimately, it is the voices of survivors who help us
to find Jenn’s voice, leaving the viewer with a message that is hard to forget.
Synopsis (250 words)
On March 16, 2011, 27-year old Jennifer Snyder of Allentown, PA was murdered by her married
boyfriend of more than 2 years after he learned that she was pregnant. Veterinarian David Rapoport
shot Jenn twice in the mouth and once in the back and then dumped her body in a wooded ravine. He
was arrested 6 days later, eventually pleading guilty to avoid the death penalty. He is now serving two
life sentences for his crimes.
When the filmmaker learned of Jenn’s murder, she “googled” pregnancy and homicide and was shocked
to find several research studies that revealed:
Homicide is the leading cause of death during pregnancy.
Why wasn’t the media talking about this problem? Why was every case covered like it was a fluke? Just
some guy “snapping”? Was there a pattern to this crime?
Jenn’s case seemed unusual since there was no known history of violence in the relationship. Was
possible that there were warning signs that she missed? Three years and nearly 100 hours of interviews
later, we learn that there are many cases like Jenn’s. Conversations with experts and survivors of intimate
partner homicide attempts provide a picture of the anatomy of abusive relationships that looks beyond
the black eye.
Ultimately, it is the survivors who help us to find Jenn’s voice, and understand the dangers overlooked by
so many. They give a voice to the voiceless, and leave the viewer with a message that is hard to forget.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
Synopsis (long)
Finding Jenn’s Voice
Logline
Homicide is the leading cause of death during pregnancy.
But no one is talking about it.
Until now.
Synopsis (750 words)
Jennifer Snyder was both excited and frightened when she found out she was pregnant. The twentyseven year old veterinary technician had been in a relationship with married veterinarian David
Rapoport for more than two years. Typical of many extra-marital affairs, it was a relationship fraught
with lies, broken promises and drama. But Jenn believed David when he said they would be together.
Her trepidation about telling David about the pregnancy, however, was more than justified. He
threatened her, telling her “that baby is not being born”. But Jenn refused to have an abortion. She told
David that he did not have to be on the birth certificate or a part of their lives. Eventually David came
around. He was ‘sorry’. He had ‘overreacted’.
On the morning of March 16, 2011, David called Jenn. He had a surprise for her! They were going to
spend the night together and he would go to her first ultrasound the next day. They met for lunch, and
then David drove them in Jenn’s car to the Trexler Nature Preserve - a peaceful place that Jenn loved. We
can only speculate what might have been going through her mind… David Rapoport shot Jenn twice in
the mouth and once in the back with a 9 mm Glock. He wrapped her body in a bleach soaked blanket
and trash bags sealed with duct tape, and dumped Jenn in a ravine a few feet from where he murdered
her. He then drove home to his wife.
For all his planning, it was a poorly executed murder, and the evidence pointed directly to David. He
was arrested 6 days later, eventually pleading guilty to avoid the death penalty. He is now serving 2 life
sentences for the murder of Jenn and her unborn child.
A week after her murder, Jenn’s aunt contacted the filmmaker and told her what had happened to her
niece. On impulse, Tracy googled “pregnancy” and “homicide” and was shocked by what she learned:
Homicide is the leading cause of death to pregnant women.
Why wasn’t the media talking about this problem? Why was this research obscured by the
sensationalistic coverage that “domestic murders” traditionally receive? Why was every case covered like
it was a fluke? Just some guy “snapping”? Was there a pattern to this crime? Were there warning signs?
(continued on next page)
CONTACT:
[email protected]
Synopsis (long)
Synopsis (continued)
So began the journey that was to become Finding Jenn’s Voice. Unsure as to where this story would
take her, the filmmaker agreed to help the family make sense of the senseless, identify the patterns in
these murders, and attempt to give Jenn back the voice her murderer took when he shot her twice in
the mouth.
Jenn’s case seems unusual since there was no known history of violence in the relationship. Was it
possible that there were warning signs that she missed? Through interviews with the nation’s leading
experts in intimate partner violence research and treatment, we identify the patterns of behavior that
are warning signs of potentially homicidal relationships. We learn that relationships characterized by
coercive control, deception, and jealousy can be more dangerous than relationships with a previous
history of physical violence. We come to understand that there is whole population of women whose
intimate partners have tried to make them disappear. And we learn that pregnancy is a particularly
dangerous time in these relationships.
We speculate on what we know about Jenn’s relationship with David Rapoport. What were the
warning signs she experienced? And what type of man would rather kill his girlfriend than walk away
from the relationship? Because we can’t ask Jenn, we look for others to speak for her.
The filmmaker seeks out the voices of women who have survived an attempt on their lives by their
intimate partners, and is contacted by dozens of survivors. Eleven women are eventually chosen to be a
part of the film. From California to New York, these women have all nearly lost their lives. They’ve been
shot, beaten with an axe, threatened with knives and strangled. Some experienced violence while they
were pregnant. Their stories are terrifying, not only because of what happened to them but because
they happen so frequently around the country and the world. Each of them shares an experience that
connects us to Jenn. They become Jenn’s voice and that of every woman who has lost her life to the
man that she loved.
Finding Jenn’s Voice looks beyond the black eye, challenges the victim blaming so prevalent in our
media, and provides a deeper understanding of abusive relationships.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
DIRECTOR’S
STATEMENT
Before I was a filmmaker, I was a social worker. So when I received a phone call from Jennifer Snyder’s
aunt that her pregnant niece had been murdered by her married boyfriend, I jumped into social worker
mode, offering support and suggesting that she give herself space for healing.
Trina, however, had a different reason for calling. She wanted me to tell Jenn’s story by creating a
documentary film. At first, I wasn’t sure. What was the social significance of a young pregnant woman
murdered by her married boyfriend? On impulse, I googled ‘pregnancy’ and ‘homicide’ and was shocked
to see studies that found homicide as the leading cause of death to pregnant women!
So began the journey that was to become this film. With the support of my colleague, Director of
Photography Derek Dienner, and the cooperation of Jenn’s family, we began shooting interviews to
learn more about Jenn - her life and death. Over the next three years we spoke with leading experts in
domestic violence and learned volumes about this well studied but under-reported social issue. What we
lacked, though, was a living face to help connect our audience to this problem.
In July 2014, I posted a request on the Facebook pages of two national domestic violence organizations
for survivors of intimate partner homicide attempts to share their stories with me. The response was
overwhelming. Over the next month, I spoke with dozens of women, and chose eleven to help me tell
Jenn’s story. We traveled around the country to film interviews with them and eventually brought all of
the survivors to Pennsylvania.
Finding Jenn’s Voice has brought me full circle in a career of listening to and telling stories. And it
has reinforced for me the power of a story shared. I hope this film touches everyone who sees it by
increasing their understanding of intimate partner violence and motivating them to speak up for
change. - Tracy Schott
CONTACT:
[email protected]
FAQ’s
Why did you call the film Finding Jenn’s Voice?
Jennifer Snyder was 27 years old when her married boyfriend shot her just weeks after learning she was
pregnant. Throughout the first couple of years of filming, we were really looking for answers to the
question, “why?” Why did a man with no known previous history of violence kill his girlfriend rather
than walk away? Why did Jenn stay with someone who apparently lied and deceived her? Why did she
give him another chance? We wanted to hear from her. We realized that we were looking for the voice
of a woman who could no longer speak for herself.
What is the significance of the photo of the horse and girl on the poster?
The photo was taken of Jenn’s sister Justine riding Jenn’s horse Marji. This was a very emotional
interview, as Justine had stopped riding since her sister’s murder two years earlier. I loved the way they
seem to walking into the light, as if seeking someone. We later learned that white horses have great
symbolism in many cultures with common themes of heroism, fertility, and connection to the spirit
world. It didn’t seem like a coincidence!
How is this film different from other films about domestic violence?
This film focuses on homicide and the risks of homicide to women in controlling relationships. We look
beyond the black eye to examine relationships that might not be recognized as being abusive, but are
potentially deadly.
Finding Jenn’s Voice features not only the story of Jennifer Snyder’s
murder, but also the stories of eleven other women who survived attempts
on their lives. How did you choose these survivors?
We interviewed over a dozen experts in the field of intimate partner violence and homicide. We had a
ton of compelling information, but it felt very academic. The film needed a face to whom our audience
could connect. My first step was to post a request for survivors of attempted homicide by their partners
on the Facebook pages of several national domestic violence groups. The response was overwhelming.
I received nearly a 1000 “likes” on the film’s page in a 24-hour period. Eventually, I conducted phone
interviews with 35 women from around the world. I chose eleven of these women to participate in the
film based on how their experiences helped me tell Jenn’s story.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
FAQ’s (cont’)
This is a very emotional film, what was the most heartbreaking moment
for you in the production?
After interviewing all the survivors in their homes around the country, we brought them to Pennsylvania
to film as a group. Before they went home, we created a Peace Mandala to facilitate healing and
closure. I was behind the camera, and I looked up to see four of the survivors surrounding Kisha, who
is a quadriplegic as a result of her assault. They were silently taking turns gathering grains and helping
Kisha participate in the Mandala. It moved me to tears to see how they spontaneously and wordlessly
came together to include her. It spoke to the devastation and loss they all shared as a result of their
abuse.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in completing this
film?
Budget or lack thereof! We shot for 2 years with no funding at all. Through fundraisers, small grants
and crowdfunding we raised about a third of our total budget. Just enough to help us get through edit.
We’ve learned that intimate partner abuse is a very unpopular subject. Victim blaming and denial is
pervasive in our society. I think it would have been much easier to raise money to do a film on carnival
food! But we were passionate about completing this film, and frankly, I’m very stubborn. I simply
refused to give up on this story.
You had incredible access to many of the leading experts of domestic
violence in the U.S., what was the most alarming thing that you learned?
The most dangerous relationships aren’t necessarily the most violent. And leaving them can be deadly.
Finding Jenn’s Voice takes some creative risks in telling Jennifer Snyder’s
story. Could you discuss these?
Early on we wanted to hear Jenn’s voice in this film to help the audience understand her perspective.
But who would speak for her? We considered bringing in an actress, but that seemed inauthentic. After
meeting the survivors, it became clear that they had all shared experiences with Jenn, and that they
should speak for her. Throughout the film, each of the survivors speaks a few scripted lines for Jenn. We
don’t explain it. We just do it. It kind of blurs the boundaries between documentary and narrative. But,
we think it works!
CONTACT:
[email protected]
FAQ’s (cont’)
You take the media to task for their reporting of domestic homicide, how
have they responded to the film?
It wasn’t easy getting the media to participate in this film. Journalists by nature are wary of having their
own work examined, and to be fair, we were pretty up front about our slant on the problems associated
with media reporting. Those who have screened portions of the film have been surprised by the facts
that we present.
You were a social worker for many years before turning to film production.
How has that impacted this film?
I’ve always said that being a social worker is not about what you do, but who you are. I was drawn to
this story because of my roots as a social worker, researcher and therapist. My background undoubtedly
guided my approach to this film. It was important for me to understand the psychological and social
context of intimate partner homicide from both the victim’s and the perpetrator’s perspectives. Because
of my background, I gained access to academic, clinical and policy makers in the field. And I’m a trained
listener. My conversations with Jenn’s family and the survivors in this film were very intimate.
How do you envision Finding Jenn’s Voice changing the conversation about
intimate partner violence?
Intimate partner violence has been in the national consciousness for about forty years, but the message
has changed very little. I hope that this film takes the conversation to the next level, giving the viewer a
deeper understanding of the complexity of abusive relationships.
What’s next for you?
I keep telling people that my next film is going to be about dance or food or wine. Something fun! But
the social worker in me wants to see Finding Jenn’s Voice do more. I envision an interactive website that
uses the film as a jumping off point into a deeper conversation about intimate partner abuse. I see us
using more of the 100 hours of footage we have, giving participants the option of seeing more of the
interviews.
The women who participated in Finding Jenn’s Voice will all tell you that sharing their stories through
film was a life changing experience. They have created a powerful support group and are all taking on
advocacy work in their own communities. I’d like to give other survivors an opportunity to take back
their lives through sharing their stories in this forum.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
Media
Finding Jenn’s Voice has been building an audience online and through social media for 2 years. In
addition to substantial local coverage, the film has thousands of followers on Facebook and hundreds
on Twitter.
Social Media
Facebook - FindingJennsVoice
Twitter - @findjennsvoice
The following organizations have posted information about the film on their social media channels:
National Association of Social Workers
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Network to End Domestic Violence
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
+ dozens of grassroots organizations run predominantly by survivors of intimate partner violence
Interviews
Television
WFMZ - Channel 69
Online News
Huffington Post
Magazines
Women2Women
Lehigh Valley Style
Newspapers
Reading Eagle
Morning Call
Blogs
Lange Unfocused
Bookview Cafe
Podcasts
How You Show UP
Speaking Engagements
Berks Women in Crisis - Silent Witness event 10/17/13
Berks Women in Crisis - Voices for Change 12/15/14
Kutztown University - Diversity Conference 2/27/15
Moravian College - Take Back the Night event 4/7/15
Upcoming
Edinboro Universtiy - 10/8/15
Loyola University/New Orleans - Keynote 10/20/15
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence 10/15
National Association of Social Workers Conference 6/16
CONTACT:
[email protected]
Reviews
Finding Jenn’s Voice is the proud recipient of the 2015 NASW Media Award for a documentary which
best portrayed the social work profession in 2014. The National Association of Social Workers is a
132,000 member organization.
Filmmaker Tracy Schott was given the Voices of Change award by Berks Women in Crisis for her work on
Finding Jenn’s Voice in December 2014.
During production Finding Jenn’s Voice received the financial support of nearly 200 individuals and
foundations, including two crowdfunding campaigns on Indiegogo and Seed&Spark.
Supporters were invited to a private screening in February 2015 to provide feedback to the filmmaker.
The response was overwhelmingly positive:
A beautifully crafted movie...
There was never a dull moment in the film.
I never imagined this documentary would be as captivating, raw and touching as you created. Simply
amazing!
Outstanding, engaging and emotional. Everyone should watch this film!
You found Jenn’s voice! You have crafted a profoundly awakening, eye opening, poignant film!
A masterful job of storytelling...
This film has to travel the world - especially high schools and colleges.
I had chills so many times during this movie...you nailed it!
Everyone needs to see this movie - big, small, young, old - the message is resounding and clear...you
are all heroes.
Thank you for creating this powerful, amazing film. You found your voice and your film will help
others find the courage and strength to speak out!
The stories of the women are compelling, the photography is beautiful and Jenn’s voice is finally
heard.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
bios
Tracy Schott – Director/Producer
Tracy Schott is uniquely qualified to tell this story. She received her
MSW from the University of California – Berkeley School of Social
Welfare in 1985. She practiced child and family therapy with a
diverse group of clients, many of whom were victims of abuse. In
2000, Tracy received an MS in Telecommunications. As the owner
of Schott Productions, she directs, writes and produces broadcast
television programming, non-profit and corporate videos, live
theatrical productions, television commercials and still photography.
This is her first feature film.
Derek Dienner – Director of Photography
Derek Dienner is the founder of Lavon Films. Derek specializes
in telling life stories through visual imagery. He is the director
of photography and co-producer of Dream Weddings, a reality
TV show. Derek is known for the artistry he brings to wedding
videography, and for telling the stories of non-profit organizations
throughout the region. He has captured the lives and landscapes of
his subjects from Cape Town, South Africa to San Francisco.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
bios (cont’)
R. Bradley Bass – Editor
Brad Bass has been an editor, voiceover director and field producer
for over 15 years. He has worked with clients of every size, from
small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. Brad’s projects
have included TV commercials and other forms of advertising
and marketing, employee training, high-level internal corporate
communications, documentary film, and television programming.
Marty Mellinger – Composer
Marty Mellinger is a Grammy nominated music producer, arranger,
composer and musician. Owner of Cross Keys Productions Recording
Studio, Marty has written and produced over 450 commercials and
short film scores. Marty is a highly sought after pianist and has
performed with Simone, Rick Derringer, Mary Wilson, Ray Parker, Jr.,
Rita Coolidge and was even asked by Bruce Springsteen to be the
original keyboard player in the East Street Band.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
The Research
Homicide is the leading cause of death during pregnancy.
Up to 20 % of pregnant women experience violence during their pregnancy.
Intimate partner violence is the leading cause of injury during pregnancy.
Two out of three of women who are killed during pregnancy are killed by an intimate partner.
20 to 30 percent of men who kill their pregnant partners have no previous history of violence.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes.
More than three women are killed each day in the United States by a current or previous husband or
boyfriend.
Women are 9 times more likely to be killed by an intimate partner than a stranger.
Among women killed by an intimate partner, firearms are the most common cause of death.
Women who are African-American, younger than 25 years and unmarried have the highest risk for
homicide during pregnancy, but the problem is seen across all demographic groups.
Witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor for transmitting
violence from one generation to the next.
Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when
they become adults.
30-60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household.
More women were killed by their intimate partners between 2001 and 2012 (11,766) than American
troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan (6,488).
Most instances of intimate partner violence are never reported.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
photos
CONTACT:
[email protected]
Contact
For More Information:
Publicist
Sue Lange
[email protected]
Filmmaker
Tracy Schott
[email protected]
Website
www.FindingJennsVoice.com
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/FindingJennsVoice
Twitter
@findjennsvoice
To Learn More about intimate partner violence:
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
www.NCADV.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
www.TheHotline.org
National Network to End Domestic Violence
www.nnedv.org
NO MORE
www.nomore.org
CONTACT:
[email protected]