“This victim-centered trauma-informed expose goes right to the heart of the insidious nature of domestic violence, exposing the raw truth of its impact on primary as well as secondary targets, and demanding that the viewer step up and do their part to eradicate this scourge on our society.”
- David Thomas, Intimate Partner Violence/Sexual Assault Advisor
International Association of Chiefs of Police
“As Mark Wynn’s story tells us, domestic abuse is a deeper root and normalizer of violence than all the wars combined. Ending it is a path to peace.” - Gloria Steinem
"Every single person in law enforcement should be familiar with Mark Wynn's groundbreaking work -- and this touching film now makes that possible. But This is Where We Learned Not to Sleep is much more than a police story. It offers a unique window into domestic violence and family trauma through the lived experience of an extraordinary man -- a survivor -- who made it his life's mission to educate others and reform police practices on this critical issue. It's a film for everyone, but especially for men who want ideas -- and inspiration -- about how to make a difference in a culture that is sadly still awash in misogyny and violence."
- Jackson Katz, Ph.D., educator and author of The Macho Paradox:
Why Some Men Hurt Women and How All Men Can Help
“Mark Wynn is an inspiration. He grew up surviving a turbulent home, bearing witness to horrific violence against his mother and siblings. Fast forward to adulthood. As a police officer, he dedicated his career to domestic violence intervention, putting survivors at the center of his response. He now trains other police to not only believe survivors but also help stop violence against women and children. Mark Wynn’s story has the power to change hearts and minds.”
- Esta Soler, Futures Without Violence
“This well-made documentary follows a police officer as he re-visits his childhood home and reflects on how domestic violence impacted his life then and how it shaped his life leading him into a career dedicated to challenging ill-suited police practices and training officers on how to be protectors of victims and their children. Excellent choice to expose police trainees and mental health professionals to the impacts of DV/IPV on children, and how systemic challenges can be overcome with dedication and effective interventions.”
- Michal Sela-Amit, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
“I attended the Thursday, Dec. 7 screening of the "This is Where I Learned Not to Sleep" documentary and discussion. I couldn't have been more moved by everything I saw and heard. Transformational.”
— Greg C. Hansen, Mayor - City of Ferndale, WA
“The film was phenomenal. I think it was a perfect way to start the training. Some of the attorneys told me their throat tightened up and they felt the tears coming…and that is not something I hear attorneys say often. The film was an amazing testament to survival. In this work we do, everything is reactionary, and this was a great reminder that something good can come from surviving very bad things. I personally felt rejuvenated and reminded of how important it is to be compassionate. I think this should be mandatory viewing for those officers out pounding the pavement.”
– Lisa Mehrhoff, Professional Victim Assistance Coordinator
Parker County Attorney’s Office, TX
FILM REVIEW: “Neither Wynn nor the documentary’s treatment shy away from the harsh realities or complexities of domestic violence…. The framing of these realities and complexities through the lens of Wynn’s life creates a compelling call to men to take the lead in the reform.”
- Maya Galicia-Canto, Domestic Violence Report