“Power and Control: Domestic Violence in America”

“I don’t want to be hurt, I don’t want my girls to be hurt. I never would have said it two months ago, but I do deserve better, I don’t care if I’m putting ten years of marriage in the trash I don’t care, I’ve fought and struggled and got us through those ten years and the one good thing I got out of that was my girls. He’s not going to take that away from me.”

Teaching about Domestic Violence with “Power and Control”

Respectfully submitted via DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DOCUMENTARY

As we gear up our outreach and engagement efforts this summer, it’s been gratifying to get to know some of the educators who plan to use “Power and Control” in the classroom. I think that showing the film in colleges — to students in social work, sociology, criminology, women’s studies, law and medicine — will be the way the film has its most powerful direct impact.

College students are still reading and thinking about the world, still asking questions and engaging in debate. Ten years after college (at least in my case), that kind of intellectual growth slows.

At the same time, the film will be providing fresh background to students. The current generation has grown up in a time when feminism and the battered women’s movement have not, unfortunately, been key social concerns. This has dawned on me at some of the screenings of the film, where most of the people in the audience were over 50.

I’m deeply encouraged by the way a group of students at the Florida State University School of Social Work responded to a screening in the spring. The responses were raves. I’m almost embarrassed to quote from some of the response cards because they sound self serving! But believe me, this project has faced plenty of rejection, so a few nice words also help keep the spirit aloft!

Vicky Verano, the course instructor, was kind enough to send me a thoughtful and thorough note. “Your film is a powerful teaching tool because it provides a look at the Duluth Model and how the Model is used with survivors of domestic violence.” During the course of the film, Kim, our main subject, leaves her husband, goes into a shelter, and sets out on a new life. But in the end, she gets back together again with him. Vicky thought this plot line stimulated good discussions in class. “At the end of the movie, some of my students were frustrated that she went back. This opened dialog and provided students to process what ‘really’ happens when women leave and go back and the importance of not blaming rather than supporting a person’s choice.”

Here are three comments from students:

— This is full of valuable info as well as people; it’s not about statistics, it’s about real people, and I feel that the community needs to see this on a human, real level. I also think it’s important to see how people disagree on DV (attack on Duluth model, etc) — knowing all aspects fuels new thoughts!

— Not everyone involved in this field can manage to stay in touch with the victims. Up to date with the field. And unjudgemental of different situations at the same time. This film is a perfect reminder that life is different for everyone and that education and respect are key, regardless of the gender.

— We got to see first hand how domestic violence affects lives and we also saw how a group of activists who believed DV was wrong created a program that made a huge impact and changed numerous lives.

Peter Cohn – director, producer

Cohn is a New York-based writer and film maker. “Power and Control” will be his second documentary feature. “Golden Venture”, his first documentary, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2006.  The film also screened at the Amnesty International Film Festival and other festivals.

He produced, co-wrote and directed “Drunks,” a film set in a Manhattan Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, starring Richard Lewis, Faye Dunaway, Dianne Wiest, Parker Posey and Spalding Gray. “Drunks” was shown at Sundance in 1996, premiered on Showtime and was released in 1997 to widespread critical acclaim. The New York Times called it “superbly realized.” “Drunks” won the motion picture industry’s Prism Award for 1997, in recognition of the film’s realistic depiction of alcohol and drug addiction.

He has written screenplays for Fox, Disney, MGM and a wide range of US and European independent producers. He began his writing career as a journalist, first at the Richmond Times Dispatch and then at the Hartford Courant. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago, where he was editor of the student newspaper, The Chicago Maroon.

Dara Kell – editor

Dara Kell is a filmmaker and editor, born in South Africa. She is a recipient of Participant Media’s Outstanding Filmmaker award, representing Africa. She co-edited “The Reckoning,” which premiered in competition at Sundance 2009, and was additional editor on Academy Award-nominated “Jesus Camp”. She edited “Courting Justice” (distributed by Women Make Movies) which profiles five indomitable female judges committed to enacting transitional justice in South Africa, and was a field producer for Human Rights, Human Needs for Amnesty International, in collaboration with Skylight Pictures. She studied Journalism at Rhodes University, South Africa, where she received the Frank Rostron bursary for Excellence in Journalism. Her short documentary “Indlini Yam” (In My House) about motherhood and AIDS won the Dolphin Award for Best Documentary.

Anne Paulle – consultant; chair, board of advisors

Anne Paulle has held numerous positions in domestic violence advocacy. Most recently, she was Director of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services/Bronx Domestic Violence Programs. She previously served as the Director, New York City Program, New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, New York City. She currently has a private consulting practice, helping individual domestic violence victims and also providing expertise on an organizational level.

“Power and Control: Domestic Violence in America” is a powerful, dramatic and timely exploration of domestic abuse.    The documentary examines the shocking  persistence of violence against women in the US, as refracted through the story of Kim, a mother of three in Duluth, MN.    Duluth was the unlikely birthplace of a revolution in the way society approaches battering, and the second strand of the film tells the story of the leaders from Duluth who remain on the front lines today.   “Power and Control” also looks at the sharply contested debate launched by researchers and professors who have challenged the Duluth approach.

The film is an indispensable resource for university and secondary academics and is particularly recommended for courses in sociology, social work, women’s studies, political science, law enforcement and law. It’s a must-have for public library collections and is being used with great effectiveness by public and non profit organizations. “Power and Control” is also distributed by the New Day Films, the cooperative, film maker-owned and operated distributor.

Presidential Proclamation–National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October 2010

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

October 01, 2010

Presidential Proclamation–National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, 2010

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

In the 16 years since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), we have broken the silence surrounding domestic violence to reach thousands of survivors, prevent countless incidences of abuse, and save untold numbers of lives.  While these are critical achievements, domestic violence remains a devastating public health crisis when one in four women will be physically or sexually assaulted by a partner at some point in her lifetime.  During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recognize the tremendous progress made in reducing domestic violence, and we recommit to making everyone’s home a safe place for them.

My Administration is committed to reducing the prevalence of domestic violence.  Last year, I appointed the first-ever White House Advisor on Violence Against Women to collaborate with the many Federal agencies working together to end domestic violence in this country.  Together with community efforts, these Federal programs are making important strides towards eliminating abuse.

The landmark Affordable Care Act also serves as a lifeline for domestic violence victims.  Before I signed this legislation in March, insurance companies in eight States and the District of Columbia were able to classify domestic violence as a pre existing condition, leaving victims at risk of not receiving vital treatment when they are most vulnerable.  Now, victims need not fear the additional burden of increased medical bills as they attempt to protect themselves and rebuild their lives.

Individuals of every race, gender, and background face domestic violence, but some communities are disproportionately affected.  In order to combat the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault in tribal areas, I signed the Tribal Law and Order Act to strengthen tribal law enforcement and its ability to prosecute and fight crime more effectively.  This important legislation will also help survivors of domestic violence get the medical attention, services, support, and justice they need.

Children exposed to domestic violence, whether victims or witnesses, also need our help.  Without intervention, they are at higher risk for failure in school, emotional disorders, substance abuse, and perpetrating violent behavior later in life.  That is why my Administration has launched the “Defending Childhood” initiative at the Department of Justice to revitalize prevention, intervention, and response systems for children exposed to violence.  The Department of Health and Human Services is also expanding services and enhancing community responses for children exposed to violence.

Ending domestic violence requires a collaborative effort involving every part of our society.  Our law enforcement and justice system must work to hold offenders accountable and to protect victims and their children.  Business, faith, and community leaders, as well as educators, health care providers, and human service professionals, also have a role to play in communicating that domestic violence is always unacceptable.  As a Nation, we must endeavor to protect survivors, bring offenders to justice, and change attitudes that support such violence.  I encourage victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 800-799-SAFE or visit:  www.TheHotline.org.

This month — and throughout the year — let each of us resolve to be vigilant in recognizing and combating domestic violence in our communities, and let us build a culture of safety and support for all those affected.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2010 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  I call on all Americans to speak out against domestic violence and support local efforts to assist victims of these crimes in finding the help and healing they need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

 

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins I have been thinking of what awareness means to our families, friends and communities.

For hotline and court advocates who respond to crisis calls and provide ongoing support to victims, awareness means seeing the pain that family violence creates for those caught in its grip, as well as celebrating the courage it takes for individuals to rebuild their lives and regain the sense of self after enduring emotional or physical abuse from a loved one. For many community members, awareness may mean seeing friends or family members struggle with this issue now or from the past and getting information about how to help them. For young people it may mean learning about what to expect in a healthy intimate relationship through programs such as “Save the Date” or other programs being offered. Communities and Advocates all around are working diligently to bring awareness of and to prevent and end domestic violence.

The message of advocacy and awareness deserves a wider audience as there is a mix of responses to the epidemic. Those who interact and support the cause know the importance of the work that is being done and are committed to helping organizations continue to provide high quality free services in English and Spanish. Unfortunately, many people are unclear about who the domestic violence agencies are, where they are and what they do. Domestic violence awareness extends beyond the specific month designated for this purpose.

Ways for you to contribute and get involved are:

• Let your friends and businesses you patronize know what Domestic Violence is, who and what the agency in your community are and what they do. Thank those who support your local agency.
• Involve your church or favorite civic group in this work through an educational or fundraising event.
• Make your voice heard in the local media and at election time to advocate for resources for survivors and supportive legislation.
• Stop by your local Domestic Violence agency and meet their wonderful staff.
• Volunteer your time or resources to help support community education, office or hotline needs.
• Serve on a board committee to help with events, fundraising and other activities.

It is imperative that we work together toward the effort, explore ways that we can work together to make our families and communities more peaceful and nurturing for everyone.

I extend many thanks to all who give their time, knowledge and spirit to this work and mission.

Check out (Google them if necessary) events in your community and consider attending:
Take Back The Night
(an international rally and march that is organized in local communities with the purpose of unifying women, men, and children in an awareness of violence against women, children and families.
Beards BeCAUSE – Clean Shaven Party
Beards BeCAUSE is a unique, fun, and successful fundraiser while raising awareness about the issue of domestic violence and making a positive impact and contribution to United Family Services – Shelter For Battered Women
Annual Candlelight Vigil & Memorial
Honoring statewide DV-related homicide victims this past year
Domestic Violence is a Men’s Issue
Join other men (and women) step up to take a pledge turning the tide against violence of women and girls.

Nationally:
Check out DV Awareness Project for ideas on DVAM events & resources.

A Victim’s safety always needs to come first and foremost.

Moving Out, Moving On: The Book that Saves!

Susan Murphy Milano’s Journal

A place to rant, rave and highlight the good, the bad and the evil.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Moving Out, Moving On: The Book that Saves!

In Honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Author and Expert Domestic Violence Strategist, Susan Murphy Milano, is offering her innovative book, Moving Out, Moving On at a discount to anyone who is in a violent relationship, or knows someone who needs to safely move away from abuse.

This book is available in quantity for agencies, shelters, coalitions and any other organizations who deal with victims of abuse.

For the month of October you can order a hard copy of the book which includes a CD of all of the important forms you will need to use. The hard copy (for $15 including postage) can be ordered at the following email:

contact@imaginepublicity.com

Include your name, address and quantity and you will receive a quick response with further instruction.

If you would like an instant EBook copy it can be ordered by going to this link:

CLICK HERE

The Ebook also includes samples of forms to use, as well.

Moving Out, Moving On will not only save you thousands in dollars, it could very well save a life!

Through clear examination, simple forms and worksheets, Moving out, Moving on , logically takes the reader through all the necessary preparation and information gathering to effectively seek legal redress, protect one’s assets and credit, address considerations regarding children, define alternate living arrangements, and deal with the myriad of financial problems and concerns surrounding a divorce or break-up. Moving out, Moving on, also addresses in detail abusive relationships, domestic violence and stalking and how to safely confront these situations.

Moving out, Moving on , is more than a simple workbook, but a true plan to take control of one’s life and face the future head on. This is not just another “divorce book” written by a so called “expert.” Moving out, Moving on, is authored by a person who truly knows…Susan Murphy-Milano

Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny Jacoby
A Success Survivor
“Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence.”
http://www.annyjacoby.com/
http://www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com/