In 'Behind Closed Doors', Jo's partner Sam gradually isolates her from the people she loves, convincing her she is experiencing a mental health crisis. But Jo is not his only victim. We soon discover that Sam's mother is also living under his control, and like Jo, she too can recognise these patterns and find the help and support to leave.
Made in close collaboration with the charity The First Step, we spoke with Community Domestic Abuse Manager, Jenny Dennett, about the film and how campaigns like this can have a vital impact on the communities they serve.
Tell us about joining The First Step, and what keeps you going?
I chose to work with The First Step because it stands for everything I believe in. It’s not just a service, it’s a lifeline. The support we offer, from the point of crisis through to long-term recovery, changes lives in ways that are hard to put into words.
The team is incredibly passionate and committed, always going the extra mile for the people we support. And our CEO (Caroline Grant) is truly a force grounded in integrity, relentless in her drive to create change, challenge systems, and pave the way for a better, safer future for people and the wider community.
In 2024, we commissioned The Femicide Census to review the disproportionate number of women and girls being murdered at the hands of men in Merseyside. The first of its kind, it shone a light on consistent state failures and provided local families with a voice.
What does a film like this mean for the organisation?
We are a compassionate, caring, and empathic organisation, a safe space for those silenced by abuse, and a voice for those who have lost theirs. Through this film, we aim to help people recognise the signs of coercive control, find hope, and believe in a way forward.
In the first week of the film's release, we had an unprecedented jump in visitors, with nearly 10,000 visits to the website. Our Instagram post of the film alone received 53,700 views.
If this film helps even one person recognise what's happening to them, or gives them the courage to reach out sooner, then it has done something truly powerful.
What was the process like working with Libby on the film?
Working with Libby on this short film has been a deeply moving experience. From the very start, it felt like more than just a project; it felt like a shared purpose. Her passion and drive were clear in every moment, and she took the time to really listen and understand what we wanted to say and why it mattered so much. She created a film that truly reflects our message, bringing it to life with honesty, care, and compassion.
The First Step
Behind Closed Doors