Opening Statement:
I have many times fully enjoyed watching various weekly series and miniseries on Netflix, but never did I find myself totally captivated and binge-watching, as I did with “Maid.” Maid, is a heartwarming story of a mother’s protective instinct and a daughter's love, as well as heartbreak. I didn’t watch it when it first aired back in 2021, but I did find myself glued to the TV until I finished the miniseries just a few weeks ago. This incredible story was extremely well written with excellent acting. Maid not only touched on the many different aspects of Domestic Violence but detailed how Domestic Violence does find its way passing on from generation to generation. FACT…Mental illness is not acknowledged enough by today’s society and watching Maid, we get to witness multiple generations deal with erratic levels and issues of mental illness and abuse. We also get to see how individuals can get lost in government and state systems with numerous obstacles to obtain help, safety, and means to find a job to take care of themselves and their children. In this miniseries, you also get to see and appreciate how the main character pulls herself together, goes back to school to pursue a career as a writer, and better life for her and her daughter.
The Fear and Facts Behind Domestic Violence (DV) (as demonstrated in “Maid”)
· DV primarily happens behind closed doors
· Facing becoming homeless with little means to buy food or medication
· It is so hard to leave, especially with children or being pregnant
· Extremely hard to tell people, because of it being so personal
· Even more difficult to prove in court without proper witnesses
· DV can contribute to PTSD especially when a child witnesses an abusive parent or is the victim of the violence from the parent or another family member
· Undiagnosed mental illnesses such as Bi-polar, schizophrenia, narcissistic and abusive tendencies, and chronic depression can leave a young child or an adult scarred for a long time, or for life if help is not given to the individual or the person witnessing it
Signs To Be Aware of If Being Emotionally Abused by A Parent, Partner, Or Someone Else Close to You
(as demonstrated in “Maid”)
1. Gaslighting (psychological manipulation)
2. Isolating you from loved ones
3. Insulting language
4. Yelling
5. Shifting the blame
6. Extreme jealousy
7. Unpredictable anger
What Can Help to Prevent, Stop, or Report DV
· With the help from witnesses such as schools, daycares, and places of work to be more proactive with observing, examining, and reporting suspicious signs of neglect, abuse, or physical violence. A child going to school or to a daycare, if they are not clean, wearing clean clothing, looking sleepy or sleeping in class are probably the most visible signs of child abuse and domestic violence. It is just not with finding scars or bruises on a child, teenager, or even an adult
Closing Statement and Recap:
This miniseries portrayal of a true story about a young woman who was being tormented by mental illness, abuse, and domestic violence by a romantic partner, the family of generations before her, was GREAT! It is a fact that without reporting DV, getting help for yourself, or to parents is something our society needs to work on. I think all of us have seen way too much, if not treated early or properly, DV can lead to detrimental and very hard to reverse issues. Mental illness must be talked about more, and further help given especially to those who can’t afford treatment or proper diagnoses. Take some time out and watch “Maid,” you can even view the weekly episodes on YouTube if you don’t subscribe to Netflix.
Source of Information: Watching the complete miniseries “Maid” and my personal opinions and review.
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!