()– Even though it was nearly thirty years ago, Lorena Robertt’s story about domestic violence and how she survived still resonates today. Lifetime’s Memorial Day kicks off with the premiere of the Ripped From the Headlines feature. “I Was Lorena Bobbitt”Monday, May 25th at 8pm ET/PT

Lorena Bobbitt, now Lorena Galo, serves as the film’s executive producer and narrator.

This story is about Lorena’s journey from an innocent immigrant bride, to becoming a domestic violence victim. Lorena, who had suffered years of abuse from John Bobbitt her husband, fought back. She cut her husband’s penis off with a knife, becoming an international media phenomenon. The film shows her transformation into a strong, thoughtful woman who dedicated her life to helping abused women.

“There are many reasons why I feel it’s important to share my story now,” Ms. Gallo says in an interview.

“Lifetime gave me a platform and truly listened to my message about domestic violence, and I was actively involved in telling my story. I believe with the #MeToo movement and increased awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault that my message would be heard.”

Ms. Gallo said that making the movie was very difficult.

“With me being so young and an immigrant, new to the United States and to endure the type of abuse that I went through, along with the court case and the media frenzy that followed, it is a reminder of what I had to go through to help to become the person that I am today. The work that I do with the Lorena Gallo Foundation and other organizations is based upon my own experiences,”She explains.

“I Was Lorena Bobbitt” stars Dani Montalvo (“Dispatches from Elsewhere”Luke Humphrey (“Tiny Pretty Things”) as Lorena and John. Ms. Gallo met with Ms. Montalvo and discussed her past in order to help her prepare. “We learned a lot from one another and I’m grateful for our time together,” Ms. Gallo says.

According to Ms. Gallo the take-home message of the movie is “that domestic violence is real and doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone and there are definitely signs showing that someone is abused and it should be taken seriously and not overlooked.”

Ms. Gallo’s advice for others dealing with abuse: “Never give up hope and be resilient.”

She stresses, “You are not alone and there are options and resources. Do not keep it to yourself. Contact family and friends and understand the resources available to you now, such as shelters, domestic violence hotlines and social service organizations. First responders and doctors are better trained to understand and deal with domestic violence-related problems.”She continues, “Do not deal with the situation with the false hope that it will get better. Silence is not an option!”

With many women being forced to stay at home by their abusers and Covid/staying away orders, domestic and sexual violence are on the rise. Therefore, this movie is crucial in helping women access resources. Lifetime will air a public service announcement during the film for the National Domestic Violence Hotline (and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) featuring Lorena Bobbitt and the actors. This is part of Lifetime’s public affairs campaign Stop Violence Against Women.

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