"In 2002, almost one million children under the age of 18 were victims of child abuse. Those are the official statistics. The actual numbers are estimated to be two-to-three times higher."
Katrina Markel wrote, narrated and produced the following documentary for her master's thesis at NYU Journalism School. The incredible film follows the Provo, UT and Gettysburg, PA chapters of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA), and how a group of leather-clad, tattooed bikers essentially helped save the life of a little girl who suffered abuse at the hands of her attacker.
Elizabeth was just a teen when she went on a date who ended up attacking and raping her. When it came time to testify against her attacker, Elizabeth suffered panic attacks. She was so terrified and traumatized that her parents, Stephen and Priscilla, weren't sure if the case could continue. Their lawyer, determined to serve justice for Elizabeth, called BACA for assistance. BACA is a non-profit organization that works to create a safer environment for abused children and their families. Within minutes, dozens of men and women donned in intimidating biker gear pulled up in front of Elizabeth's house. Having never heard of BACA before, she and her family had no idea the incredible gift in store.
At first, Elizabeth couldn't look at her attacker in the courtroom — but the bikers became a source of strength.
BACA: Breaking the Chains was awarded Best Student Documentary at the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival and was an official selection at GirlFest Hawaii and the Southside Film Festival. The documentary was made possible through a grant from New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
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BACA: Breaking the Chains from Katrina Markel on Vimeo.
