Maid is a 10 episode limited series that aired on Netflix on Oct. 1. This show is inspired by a book called Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land based on events in her life. This show now holds a record for reaching the most households (67 million) in just four weeks.
Maid is about a mother, Alex, who is struggling on her own to provide for her daughter while undergoing poverty and abuse from her ex. She then lands a job for a cleaning service, which she maintains all while trying to get back on her feet as a student.
According to the National Domestic Violence Health Line, nearly half of college women in intimate relationships report experiencing violent and abusive behaviors from their partners.
As the stigma around domestic violence (DV) is being brought to attention through social media and activists, attention is being brought to resources to help victims of DV. But a Netflix series brings a whole new set of emotions that can also raise awareness.
Shows can instill a sense of value through a visual lens. It offers life lessons about troubling circumstances that some of us aren’t ready to be public and seek help about. Through an emotional and overall heartwarming story about a woman who overcomes, Maid in a way is educational programming that allows the audience to see what life can be like for someone undergoing the same circumstances.
Alex has trials, but she is working for something greater than the difficult obstacles she faces; that something is a better life for her and her daughter, through seeking financial stability and a degree.
Maid can be heart-wrenching and uncomfortable for some viewers, but it also has the reach to inspire and encourage DV victims and survivors that they are seen and heard and most importantly never alone.
Resources:
National Crisis Help Line 800-621-4673
NCADV (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) Organization
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger please consider dialing 911.