In anticipation of the upcoming December 5, 2024, OBA Program “Taking Action Against Gender-Based Violence: the smallest steps – Film Screening and Panel Discussion,” we sat down with co-producer and subject matter expert, Leighann Burns to discuss “the smallest steps” film.
What was the catalyst for making the movie?
After decades of working in the field of violence against women, I was becoming aware that there were colleagues and allies who had spent decades working in this field and were about to retire. I was concerned that they would take their valuable knowledge with them when they retired, and it would be lost to future generations of activists. Therefore, I started interviewing people in this field to create a recording of this information. My original goal was to create a resource for people to access, with no intention of making a documentary. However, once I met my co-producer and director Nicole Bedford, she suggested that we turn my archival footage into a documentary. With her expertise as a filmmaker, we filmed additional participants and turned it into a finished film.
What was the inspiration behind the title?
I believe Nicole came up with the title. She recognized that you don’t need to take it all on. Each of us can take small steps to end violence against women.
What is your call to action for lawyers?
There is a knowledge deficit in the profession. You do not need to be an expert on violence against women to improve the situation for survivors of violence, but lawyers do have crucial roles to play. Start by getting well informed. Many resources were developed around recent changes to the Divorce Act, RSC 1985, c 3 (2nd Supp.), which now requires accounting for family violence, particularly with respect to parenting arrangements. There is practical guidance available for people to access and use. Listen to women when they tell you about their experiences.
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