tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260048286605870512024-03-13T11:17:58.590-07:00Domestic Violence Documentary"Power and Control: Domestic Violence in America" is a documentary film exploring the pervasive impact of domestic abuse on women, children and families in America. Our website is www.powerandcontrolfilm.com. The site offers 40 short domestic violence videos -- interview excerpts from survivors, advocates, cops, doctors and other whose lives have been touched by domestic violence.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-3602696520112209092011-03-02T14:25:00.000-08:002011-03-02T14:40:21.293-08:00Addicted to Power and Control: Inmates who Incriminate ThemselvesThe Times ran a fascinating story last week (<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/26/nyregion/26tapes.html?scp=4&sq=domestic%20violence&st=cse">here</a>) about New York City alleged domestic violence inmates who incriminate themselves in recorded jail house conversations.<br /><br />Jail policy was changed to allow recording in 2007, and the installation of a digital recording system was completed last year. With the recording system in place, alleged batterers being held in city jails have been caught pressuring and cajoling their partners to change testimony or not appear in court. In many cases, the fact that the partners were even visiting represented a violation of a protection order. Prosecutors say that the recordings have been particularly useful in cases of "no drop" prosecution -- cases where the victim has declined to testify against the abuser -- which happens 75 percent of the time, according to the NYT.<br /><br />Well known domestic violence prosecutor and family justice center innovator Casey Gwinn believes that the new system represents a huge breakthrough. He told the Times: "'When you’re talking about domestic violence cases,' Mr. Gwinn said, 'this policy of monitoring every jail call is probably the single most important investigative procedure put in place in the last decade anywhere in the country.'"Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-82423178641054780132011-01-17T11:12:00.000-08:002011-01-19T09:24:15.968-08:00Celebrity a platform to overcome Domestic Violence (And didn't she look fabulous at the Golden Globes?)A guest blog by Sarah K Grundy<br /><br />Can being in public eye serve as a refuge, an escape, a relief? Actors, models and other notable and negligible talents make a non stop business out of confessing tragic pasts, insecure childhoods, dysfunctional home lives, abusive relationships, absentee fathers, rape, violence, or molestation.<br /><br />And all too often, it's someone on the C list trying to claw onto the B list via talk show appearances or reality show turns. But sometimes it's real, and sometimes someone who happens to be famous makes a big difference.<br /><br />Halle Berry makes an art form out of turning pain into prestige. This is true in her art and in her life—most recently, the woman who was the first African- American to win an Oscar opened up and went public about her childhood with domestic violence. On NBC Nightly News Berry says, “My Mother was a battered woman and that was my childhood for a good chunk of it.” Berry, raised by a single mother, also won an Emmy, Academy Award and Golden Globe. Her fame is not a mistake. In high school she was a cheerleader and prom queen and later first-runner up for Miss USA. After modeling for three years in Chicago her acting career took flight.<br /><br />Berry sets the stage for women who’ve otherwise been stripped of certain dignities, by means of abuse. She fought back, proving it is an attainable victory, well worth the constant struggle. Berry’s perseverance gained her the public’s devotion, lending to her confidence, self- image, and the love she craved from home. "I think I've spent my adult life dealing with the sense of low self-esteem that sort of implanted in me. Somehow I felt not worthy," she told CNN. "Before I'm 'Halle Berry,' I'm little Halle....a little girl growing in this environment that damaged me...I've spent my adult life trying to really heal from that."<br /><br />Halle Berry uses her well-deserved prowess to brave the battle of social change. Her commitment to the issue of domestic violence goes beyond tabloid-style self-revelation. Berry volunteers her time at the Jenesse Center in Los Angeles, a shelter for victims of domestic violence with six locations that provide resources and support for victims of domestic violence. Women seeking refuge from abusers are given food, shelter and safe housing for themselves and their children. The women begin a devoted program that focuses on breaking the pattern of abuse by providing training, mental health counseling and legal services.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sarah is a writer and founder of SKG Ink</span>Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-54669553887898937982010-11-09T05:45:00.000-08:002010-11-09T06:15:30.324-08:00Barnard - Columbia University Screening TonightBad Romance: A Critical Look into Intimate Partner Violence and its Manifestations in Society<br /><br />Tuesday November 9th 2010 7:30 p.m.<br /><br />Diana Center, Diana Event Oval<br />Barnard College, Columbia University<br />On west side of Broadway, around 119th St.<br /><br />Join us for a screening of the documentary “Power and Control: Domestic Violence in America” and a panel discussion to follow with filmmaker, Peter Cohn; Lisa Haileselassie, Domestic Violence Coordinator at the Crime Victims Treatment Center at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital; Deputy Chief Kathy Ryan of the NYPD'S Domestic Violence Unit [who was interviewed in the film, with an excerpt on the web site, and who appears in our law enforcement training video]; and a Domestic Violence Survivor who will speak about her personal experiences.<br /><br />The event is being sponsored by the Columbia Barnard Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center as part of its annual Clery Lecture Series.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-49607504510929879082010-10-27T05:53:00.000-07:002010-10-27T06:28:48.998-07:00A Major Success in MarylandThe screenings at Prince George's Hospital Center were amazing, fulfilling our grandest visions for how the "Power and Control" films can be used effectively. The hospital is in Cheverly, MD, outside of Washington, DC, in a county with a rather high rate of crime and domestic violence. The films on health care and law enforcement were shown, along with the main documentary. A nice crowd showed up, asking sharp questions and generating a great dialog among representatives of the different institutions involved in domestic violence policy. In short, it was a microcosm of the coordinated community response that is the underpinning of the the "Duluth Model" and really of the best examples of domestic violence policy making around the world.<br /><br />Personally, it was a bit embarrassing to have three of my films shown in one place in one day. It got to the point where I asked the audience to meet me in the parking lot after the conference so I could show my other 15 films on a laptop! I don't claim to be an expert on domestic violence, but I did my best to participate in the conversation. <br /><br />Thanks to all who made this possible.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-59830425310836644762010-10-17T19:38:00.000-07:002010-10-17T19:45:57.676-07:00Cathryn CurleyI'm very sad to report the death of Cathryn Curley, a battered women's movement leader in Duluth. Cathryn was an early supporter of "Power and Control" and has been on our board of advisors. Cathryn's responsiveness, openness and generosity was a key element in moving the project forward. Cathryn was one of the founders of Safe Haven Shelter 30 years ago and remained involved with the shelter, most recently leading the opening of a new family justice center in Duluth.<br /><br />Cathryn was extremely interested in finding new ways to help victims of domestic violence, and was enthusiastic about exploring an approach called surrogate dialog. She had worked to initiate surrogate dialog's in Duluth, and invited us to film one of the sessions. The sessions involve a victim of domestic violence engaging in a dialog with a batterer (not her own).<br /><br />I'm so sorry to hear about Cathryn's sudden illness and passing and extend my condolences to her daughters, Abby and Liza.<br /><br />The local paper ran an <a href="http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/181393/">obituary article</a> yesterday.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-61367153660859776412010-09-30T06:31:00.000-07:002011-02-01T14:44:43.474-08:00Guest Blog: Teaching with "Power and Control"Earlier this week Peter visited my class on domestic violence at Monroe College. The students had already seen <span style="font-style: italic;">Power and Control</span>; and since we are currently studying DV policing we watched the P&C law enforcement training film.<br /><br />Participation in the Q&A which followed the screening was excellent.<br /><br />I have observed that the complex aspects of the issue and the complex appropriate interventions are made clear and memorable in P&C. Because the film(s) express practical, coordinated responses and the underlying social and political issues very clearly students respond on these different levels clearly. I am convinced that this multiple focus is imperative to really meaningfully approach DV education and film supports this approach.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Anne Paulle</span>Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-76368436051053443442010-09-29T18:14:00.000-07:002010-09-29T18:33:12.229-07:00A wonderful meeting in ManhattanOnce again, I'm impressed, moved and inspired by the people who spend every day of their lives working to stop domestic violence.<br /><br />As a relative newcomer to his field (only two years in), I can remember my first fears that everyone involved would be a doctrinaire feminist. I still feel slightly out of place at meetings of domestic violence groups when I look around the room and see that I'm one of the few men around, but I've basically gotten used to that.<br /><br />Yesterday's presentation to the Manhattan Borough President's Domestic Violence Task Force was another one of those inspiring, affirming moments.<br /><br />After everyone watched about 20 minutes of our domestic violence film "Power and Control," the conversation turned to the big question of "where do we go from here?"<br />The excerpts I chose to show yesterday focused on the Duluth Model, and on Ellen Pence and Michael Paymar, co-creators of the Model. Just as I've found that Ellen and Michael are not close minded ideologues holding onto their nostalgia for early 1980s ideas, many of the advocates discussing the film yesterday showed a strong interest in moving forward in search of new paradigms.<br /><br />For example, one advocate from a major New York advocacy group spoke of how her organization is seeking a fundamentally new approach, a "client-centered" model. That model does not exclusively focus on pressing victims to leave their abusers, but keeps in mind that some clients may want to "stay," and that advocates should respect that choice when it's made for good reasons.<br /><br />Another advocate at Centre Street, an official from a major NYC social services agency, talked about how her organization is moving more toward having everyone at the table, including the abuser.<br /><br />And another advocate eloquently and passionately spoke about batterer intervention programs, and how the Duluth Approach, which has defined these programs for several decades, can be respected, and retain its influence, while at the same time practitioners can explore new models for changing batterer behavior.<br /><br />Now we're not talking about a Mens' Rights meeting here, folks. But we are talking about an impressive group of activists, determined to keep this cause moving forward.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-15957832910304071702010-09-22T18:03:00.000-07:002010-09-22T18:30:49.250-07:00The Launch: Part TwoA lot going on with the film:<br />-- Reviews are in. We've now been reviewed by most of the key trade publications in the world of libraries: <a href="http://emro.lib.buffalo.edu/emro/emroDetail.asp?Number=4140"> Educational Media Reviews Online</a> ("highly recommended"), Video Librarian (*** recommended) and<a href="http://www.booklistonline.com/ProductInfo.aspx?pid=4342581"> Booklist</a>. These strong reviews follow our good notices at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. All reviews are posted<a href="http://www.powerandcontrolfilm.com/reviews/"> here</a>.<br />-- Some interesting outreach events coming up. Next week, I'll be showing excerpts of the film to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Manhattan Borough President's Domestic Violence Task Force</span>. I'm looking forward to this one. I'm hoping to catch up with New York City domestic violence advocates I came to know while researching the film. Perhaps watching a film that was shot in Duluth, MN by a native New Yorker will warm them up to allowing the next documentary film maker who approaches them to film in some of their facilities.<br />-- Then in mid-October, a trip to Maryland to screen the film at<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Prince George's Hospital Center</span> (near DC) as a kick-off event to launch their new domestic violence program.<br />-- We are talking to a number of groups about using the film during domestic violence awareness month. I'm also hoping that our brilliant widget, with 12 answers to the question of "Why don't they just leave," gets the massive viral circulation that it deserves during the month. See widget at right (it may be a bit scrunched, but you can still click "share")Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-23160947303044151892010-07-01T13:12:00.000-07:002010-07-01T14:25:30.960-07:00Teaching about Domestic Violence with "Power and Control"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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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."<br /><br />Here are three comments from students:<br /><br />-- This is full of valuable info as well as <span style="font-weight:bold;">people</span>; it's not about statistics, it's about real people, and I feel that the community needs to see this on a human, <span style="font-weight:bold;">real</span>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!<br /><br />-- 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.<br /><br />-- 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.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-19639856202773348732010-04-29T09:27:00.000-07:002010-04-29T14:44:54.865-07:00New Web Site, First Sale!Another big week. We've just launched our <a href="http://www.powerandcontrolfilm.com">completely revamped web site</a>. And quickly after that, we registered our first sale! Hope to hear from many of you to get reactions to the new site.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-43137345537993208452010-04-20T13:43:00.000-07:002010-04-20T13:45:13.212-07:00The Founders<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="300" data="http://vimeo.com/hubnut/?user_id=user2996927&color=ba642b&background=000000&fullscreen=1&slideshow=0&stream=album&id=212679&server=vimeo.com"> <param name="quality" value="best" /> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="scale" value="showAll" /> <param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/hubnut/?user_id=user2996927&color=ba642b&background=000000&fullscreen=1&slideshow=0&stream=album&id=212679&server=vimeo.com" /></object>Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-90131166145366375802010-04-19T15:58:00.000-07:002010-04-19T19:56:06.490-07:00The Festival: A Huge Hit!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazpwIyuD6bDg8L5Z2aQjmi8_Id5kIi22iIMNm-6Pq7cWlY9F9mggAtlD_B1mf_yEuGpJA35SEv7XfmWIBPqd-DpCZINvQyGTXDXAyAAAaOl81DJgfX4b0AWltpQuBqlwlxpdmyRxEJmc/s1600/blog+shot.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazpwIyuD6bDg8L5Z2aQjmi8_Id5kIi22iIMNm-6Pq7cWlY9F9mggAtlD_B1mf_yEuGpJA35SEv7XfmWIBPqd-DpCZINvQyGTXDXAyAAAaOl81DJgfX4b0AWltpQuBqlwlxpdmyRxEJmc/s320/blog+shot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461991018003493730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Domestic violence notables arrive for Film Fest.</span><br /></div><br />Just got back to NY from the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Film Festival, where "Power and Control" made its theatrical debut yesterday. It all went well -- full house, warm response, good reviews in the local press, humongous article in the morning paper about Ellen Pence (prominently mentioning the film). So it went well. Damn near perfect.<br /><br />Best part was after the show. Ellen Pence had very considerately booked a room at a nearby restaurant. Ellen's entourage (including such dignitaries as Michael Paymar, Ellen's mom, and Ellen's sister) crowded around a massive table, munching on pad thai, interrupted occasionally by Ellen clinking on a glass to make a toast.<br /><br />My main priority at the moment is to post some of the picture we took at the fest, which I think I'll do on Facebook.<br /><br />In the meantime, some quick links:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/family/91279944.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsZ">Article on Ellen Pence in the Star Tribune</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2010/04/15/17381/pain_--_and_gain_--_at_the_minneapolis-st_paul_international_film_festival">Article in Minnesota Pos</a><a href="http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2010/04/15/17381/pain_--_and_gain_--_at_the_minneapolis-st_paul_international_film_festival">t</a>. Review quote we will extract: "Equally a useful primer on aspects of domestic violence and a purely harrowing story (with a walloping twist), "Power and Control" is highly recommended."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.citypages.com/2010-04-14/news/mspiff-your-passport-to-58-countries-via-145-films/3">Review in City Pages</a>. Review quote: "A stark reminder that this kind of violence is all around us."<br /><br />More photos posted at our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?tid=384915717126&sk=messages#%21/group.php?gid=72065538168">Facebook group</a>.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-86772072947209031572010-04-05T19:09:00.001-07:002010-04-05T19:18:54.323-07:00"Power and Control" opens at Minneapolis St. Paul International Film FestivalAfter more than two years in production, our documentary about domestic violence in America premieres in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Sun., April 18, 4:45 p.m., at the St. Anthony Main Theater. More information and tickets <a href="http://www.mspfilmfest.org/MMX/content/power-and-control">here</a>.<br /><br />It's fitting to open the film in Minnesota. Most of the story takes place in Duluth. In addition, two of our primary subjects, Ellen Pence and Michael Paymar, live in The Cities. These two great American activists were co-founders of the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, 30 years ago.<br /><br />Today Ellen continues to work full time in domestic violence. She was a prime mover behind a new domestic violence policy in St. Paul, called The Blue Print, that was just announced last week. Michael is a seven-term legislator representing St. Paul.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-48615039537038274462010-03-02T19:27:00.000-08:002010-03-04T06:58:25.622-08:00The Paterson CaseThe Paterson scandal somehow makes me feel very sad. Paterson has always struck me as a bright man, operating way over his head, who stumbled into something he probably would rather avoid. What an idiotic blunder to obstruct justice by intervening in an alleged domestic assault. He can't claim he didn't know any better: Paterson has been known for being out front on domestic violence issues.<br /><br />It blows the mind to think that the Paterson case comes right on the heels of the Hiram Monserrate fiasco, in which a New York State Senator was kicked out of the legislature following his conviction for a domestic assault misdemeanor. It was during the debate in Albany around the Monserrate expulsion that legislators were actually quoted discussing the role of power and control in relationships with abusers.<br /><br />All this comes at a crucial juncture for the making of the documentary, "Power and Control: Domestic Violence in America." In fact, we finish the project tomorrow, after almost three years of work. We're wrapping up the main feature (64 mins), the "educational" version (50 mins), as well as a special film for law enforcement and another special film for doctors, nurses and others in the health system.<br /><br />We're waiting to figure out where the film is going to be shown for the first time. For obvious reasons, I'm hoping the premiere will be in New York.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-7375264456740864702010-02-06T17:11:00.000-08:002010-02-20T18:14:28.544-08:00Ellen Pence Day in DuluthDuluth honored Ellen Pence yesterday with a <a href="http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/159645/">ceremony at City Hall declaring</a> "Ellen Pence Day." Ellen co-founded the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project about 30 years ago, and was also co-creator of the power and control wheel. She was recently diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.<br /><br />Ellen appears in "Power and Control: Domestic Violence in America," and her gently persuasive intelligence and unpretentious manner are a huge part of the film.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-60706738392388242932009-12-30T11:14:00.000-08:002010-01-03T08:07:50.600-08:00On the Philadelphia Domestic Violence SpikeThe NYT carries an excellent story by Ian Urbina (<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/us/31philadelphia.html?ref=us">click here</a>) on an increase in domestic violence homicides in Philadelphia this year and broadens the scope to report on the nationwide domestic violence increase and simulaneous service cutbacks. In Philadelphia, DV homicides surged by 67% (to a total of 38) in 2009, at a time when overall homicides dropped by 9 percent.<br /><br />On Monday, the Times ran two stories, which -- between the lines -- show a similar trend here in NYC. First was the report of a record-low homicide rate in the city for the year. But on the same day, the paper reported a marked increase in the number of "family offenses" in the court -- an increase from about 65,000 to 75,000 cases (<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2009/12/28/nyregion/28caseloadgr.html">click here</a>).<br /><br />Many observers are attributing the increase in domestic violence cases to the recession. These past two years of economic calamity seem to be correlated with a big jump in family violence around the country -- a trend which has yet to be officially confirmed by national data, but which is very apparent in numerous reports coming in from everywhere. We first discussed these developments about a year ago (<a href="http://domesticviolencedoc.blogspot.com/2009/01/alarms-going-off-economy-means-domestic.html">click here for the previous blog</a>).<br /><br />This deeply troubling new development comes after many years when domestic violence seemed to be trending downward. There's some debate about why the decrease occurred. Some argue that tougher DV enforcement -- mandatory arrest in most states, no drop prosecution of offenders -- played a role, along with increased support for survivors. Others argue that the decrease can be attributed to demographic trends, such as couples getting married at an older age and an increase in the divorce rate, as well as to the overall drop in violent crime.<br /><br />If this year's trend continues, let's hope that it's at least a wake up call for those in government, academia and the media who have lost interest in the domestic violence issue. We're fascinated by domestic violence as it pertains to Charlie Sheen, Tiger Woods, and Rhianna, but attention flags when it comes to seriously examining the tragic persistence of family violence in our society.<br /><br />Addendum/Jan. 3. I missed some excellent reporting on the nationwise increase in domestic abuse. Philip N. Cohen <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/philip-n-cohen">blogs</a> on the Philadelphia report and others, citing this strong <a href="http://correspondents.theatlantic.com/christina_davidson/2009/12/increasing_domestic_violence_decreasing_options.php">report</a> by Christina Davdison for the Atlantic.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-11952610469639313272009-10-08T08:06:00.000-07:002009-10-23T06:57:04.843-07:00The Stark-Dutton DebateOne of the main strands of our domestic violence documentary film is a debate between leading lights of the mainstream domestic violence world and their critics, mostly from academia. In domestic violence, the mainstream approach is the view that at one time was radical, the viewpoint that was developed in the 1970s by the battered women's movement. The essential idea is that domestic violence stems from the patriarchal values of our society, and the related policy prescriptions have included mandatory arrest and batterer education programs.<br /><br />The critics in academia claim to have an empirically based approach, one that challenges the mainstream assumptions. These critics question the significance of patriarchal values, and instead look at psychological and socio-economics factors.<br /><br />A fascinating new window into this debate can be found -- of all places -- on the web sites of Fathers & Families and also on the site of Glenn Sacks, the men's rights radio host and pundit.<br />Evan Stark, a Rutgers professor and member of the "Power and Control" board of advisors, and Donald Dutton, a psychologist at the University of British Columbia who also appears in the film, engage in an online debate that's being carried jointly on the sites. The format is a point, counterpoint series of postings and responses from the two experts.<br /><br />I was thrilled to come across this debate. It's great to see two impressive thinkers I've met in the course of shooting the film appearing in another forum. To follow the debate, go to these links:<br /><br />Part I: <a href="http://glennsacks.com/blog/?p=4270">Evan Stark on the prospects for changes in domestic violence policy during the Obama administration</a>.<br /><br />Part II: <a href="http://www.fathersandfamilies.org/?tag=starkdutton-dv-debate">Dutton on the same question about domestic violence policy and Obama.</a><br /><br />Part III: <a href="http://www.fathersandfamilies.org/?p=4889">This is Part II of Evan's answer to the first question!</a><br /><br />Part IV: <a href="http://www.fathersandfamilies.org/?p=4904">Stark responds to Dutton.</a><br /><br />Part V: <a href="http://www.fathersandfamilies.org/?p=4930#more-4930">Dutton responds to Stark</a><br /><br />Part VI: <a href="http://mensnewsdaily.com/glennsacks/2009/10/19/fathers-families-hosts-debate-between-2-leading-domestic-violence-authorities-part-vi-2/">Stark responds to Dutton</a>. (Link good as of 10/20. Check back for updates)Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-87522712988154429272009-07-15T06:04:00.000-07:002009-07-15T06:27:26.150-07:00"Power and Control" UpdateWe're moving closer to finishing the first rough cut of the film. After taking a couple of months away from post production, the editorial operation is ramping up, with the goal of completing the cut by mid-September.<br /><br />Our new editor will be Dara Kell. Dara has worked extensively with Peter Kinoy and Skylight Pictures (Skylight made "The Reckoning," which had it's TV debut last night on POV). Peter worked on "Golden Venture." He's spending most of the summer on Block Island, working on ancillary material for "The Reckoning." Dara worked a bit on "Golden Venture" as well, so it's only natural that she'd join us to complete the new film. <br /><br />Thavisouk Phrasavath, who had done a brilliant job bringing the film to where we are now, has had an amazingly busy schedule recently, spending most of his time in LA working on a TV show. With these demands on his time (to be expected -- his film "The Betrayal" was nominated for an Oscar), Thavi is passing on the FCP controls to his worthy successor.<br /><br />I've spent the past few months focusing on building organizational partnerships and fund raising. I've solidified our plans to work on distribution with Connect in New York and DAIP in Duluth. We've pitched this exciting collaboration to funders -- still waiting to hear if it moves anyone (in this impossible funding environment) to step in and back our vision.<br /><br />There's also been a bit of shooting. On June 11, DP Octavio Warnock-Graham moved back into action when we shot at a conference sponsored by the NY Council on Working with Abusive Partners. Two weeks later, I was in LA, shooting at a conference that brought together many of the leading academics who have challenged the power and control model. I was able to interview Richard Gelles (University of Pennsylvania), Murray Strauss (University of New Hampshire) and Donald Dutton (University of British Columbia). I also interview Erin Pizzey, founder of the world's first domestic violence shelter, Chiswick house in London.<br /><br />This weekend I'm going back to Duluth, to spend more time filming Kim Mosher and her family. DP Dominick Howse is driving up from the Twin Cities to do the shooting.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-79754926555588224652009-04-14T15:05:00.000-07:002009-04-16T05:01:26.509-07:00Surrogate DialogueAmong the alternative approaches that are being developed by domestic violence advocates, probably the most talked about is “restorative justice,” which brings together batterers and survivors in an attempt to prevent further abuse.<br /><br />Some view restorative justice as an alternative to jail sentences or batterer programs -- others see it as a supplement. It’s controversial. There’s a great deal of apprehension about restorative justice. Particularly when it’s presented as an alternative to the criminal justice-based response that’s been established as a result of the determined efforts of the battered women’s movement. <br /><br />Yesterday we had an opportunity to observe one variant of restorative justice, an approach called “surrogate dialogue.” In these dialogues, a carefully prepared survivor is paired with a carefully prepared batterer -- both strangers to each other until the day of the dialogue. They go into a room together, along with the facilitators who worked with them in advance. They both tell their stories. They ask each other questions. The idea is to help the survivor continue to heal, feel empowered and listen, and to allow the batterer to achieve perspective on what he’s done.<br /><br />Cathryn Curley of the Safe Haven Shelter in Duluth and Terry Fawcett of Duluth’s probation department organized this dialogue. It’s their fourth. They imported the idea from Hillsboro, Oregon, where the concept was developed by two domestic violence advocates at the <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.surrogatedialogue.com/index.php">Domestic Violence Surrogate program</a>. The dialogues seek to “ generate understanding between the victim and offender as to each other's views and attitudes, as well as focus on the many consequences of domestic violence.” <br /><br />In a phone interview this afternoon, Curley told us about the survivor’s reaction to the dialogue experience. She told Curley: “It was so healing for me, because he actually had empathy for me. He wasn’t my abuser, but he is an abuser.” Curley is also involved in another aspect of restorative justice -- sentencing circles. In these sessions, the offenders sit in a circle with community members for a dialogue that serves as an extension of any sentence that is meted out by the courts. <br /><br />Camera person Alex Horner taped yesterday’s dialogue -- the session lasted for more than three hours. Stay tuned -- in coming months, we expect to post partial excerpts and transcripts of yesterday dialogue.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Response from Anne Paulle</span><br /><br />I think that perhaps the greatest irony in regard to domestic violence is that victim blaming revolves around excoriating DV victims for believing batterers while persons responding to DV -- lawyers, judges, health care professionals, clergy neighbors, Chris Brown enthusiasts-believe batterers all the time.<br /><br />"Empathy" is a fluid, catalytic emotion: Receiving it can feel like fresh mountain water to somebody who is dying of thirst-- and leave one wanting more. Battered women's support and empowerment groups are more substantive with far fewer dangers and no specter of manipulation at all. Batterers routinely manipulate empathy: Any battered women's support group from Manila to the South Bronx, Shaker Heights OH to Birmingham UK will confirm batterer empathy manipulations.... and the support group's validation does not hold dangers for DV survivors.<br /><br />I think that the most universally quoted data--I do not know exactly where it started--is that "studies show" that DV victims return to batterers six to seven times. Restorative justice initiatives support this reunification based on the emotional power of empathy.<br /><br />But make no mistake, when battered women, validated through the empathy of restorative justice, return to the men who frighten,dominate and abuse them, we will blame them anyway.<br /><br />Anne Paulle<br />Chair, "Power and Control" Board of AdvisersDomestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-72309326408518254252009-04-02T06:43:00.000-07:002009-04-02T07:01:26.900-07:00Wrestling Against DV in CA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Xcao2F5fbXT6FjIv0wZrXe8VjfbeA-adyljLKXygr00TGVo66xi3rh1gep3KB6aa7OlY7zpGfyvGOo9KG_xF7lz49J0VpEFG9gUMe3hTkewPNmqBMfMpoCJadav9cletee3HLKg7LWs/s1600-h/wresting+against+dv.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Xcao2F5fbXT6FjIv0wZrXe8VjfbeA-adyljLKXygr00TGVo66xi3rh1gep3KB6aa7OlY7zpGfyvGOo9KG_xF7lz49J0VpEFG9gUMe3hTkewPNmqBMfMpoCJadav9cletee3HLKg7LWs/s320/wresting+against+dv.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320093247667403634" border="0" /></a> An immigrants' rights group in the San Fernando Valley has found an imaginative strategy for getting out the word about domestic violence, particularly against women who are vulnerable because of their immigration status: wrestling against domestic violence, literally.<br /><br />The group, Hermadad Mexicana, based in Panorama City, sponsored Mexican wrestling matches as a way of bringing attention in the community to the issue. According to the the <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.sanfernandosun.com/sanfernsun/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3453&Itemid=2">San Fernando Valley Sun</a>:<br /><blockquote>Mexican wrestling is part comedic show and athletic prowess, with flashy outfits and names for characters. The open air matches held Sunday featured wrestlers called "Minute Men," formed by INS and other Mexican-hating fighters, who threw tortillas into the air and tried to burn a Mexican hat.<br /><br />Facing them was Bandido and other immigrant defenders. But the main fight featured the true immigrant defender, "Super Mojado" (Super Wetback), a character that appeared last year after an immigration raid at a Van Nuys factory that ended with the detention of more than 100 undocumented workers.<br /><br />"Super Mojado", whose identity is a secret, has been practicing the sport for 15 years, works in construction and has a mission to fight for the rights of immigrants, including women abused by their husbands.<br /><br />"I try to help everybody and today we're fighting on behalf of women who are abused," he said during an interview previous to his match.</blockquote><br />The matches are part of a broader community education effort which includes a focus on the aspects of VAWA that are of particular help to immigrants, including U-Visas, which provide work permits and a possible path to permanent residency for undocumented victims of domestic violence.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-29519257461491838782009-03-24T11:01:00.000-07:002009-03-25T07:45:46.960-07:00Our Board of AdvisersWe're thrilled to announce that we've named our board of advisers. These 11 people have kindly offered to share their expertise with the project -- to look over our shoulders a bit as we complete the film and launch distribution and outreach.<br /><br />The make up of the board reflects the scope of the film. Advisers come from our three primary locations: Duluth, MN; Baltimore, MD; and New York. The advisers are:<br /><br />Cathryn Curley, Safe Haven Shelter<br /><br />Ed Heisler, Community Education Coordinator, Safe Haven Shelter<br /><br />Debra Holbrook, coordinator, forensic nursing, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD<br /><br />Sally MacNichol, Director of Programs, Connect NYC<br /><br />Tanya Macleod, Organizer, Voices of Women Organizing Project<br /><br />Scott Miller, Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, coordinator of men’s' groups and coordinated community response.<br /><br />Colleen Moore, Family Violence Response Program, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD<br /><br />Anne Paulle (Board Chair), DV consultant; Adjunct Prof., Monroe College<br /><br />Linda Riddle, Executive Director, Domestic Abuse Intervention Project<br /><br />Ruth Smith, VIP Community Services, Bronx NY; Adjunct Prof, Monroe College<br /><br />Evan Stark, Professor, School of Public Affairs and Administration, Rutgers-Newark.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-80767151114257863542009-03-13T05:38:00.000-07:002009-03-13T06:00:47.501-07:00Immigrants and Domestic ViolenceThe plight of immigrant women -- and particularly undocumented immigrant women -- who are victims of domestic violence is a critically important aspect of domestic violence in America. The huge influx of immigrants in recent decades has transformed many communities and brought to this country many women who are particularly vulnerable. The issue is made even more complex by different cultural traditions, including those where domestic violence is condoned.<br /><br />We devoted yesterday to adding a major new immigrant character to our growing rough cut -- the important story of Ynocensia, an undocumented woman from Mexico who fled her husband (and a lifetime of abuse) and came to New York. A few months later, her husband showed up at her door, and the cycle continued. The story has a happy ending: the family eventually called the police, who intervened effectively. An order of protection ultimately protected Ynocensia from her husband. Now, tYnocensia has a work permit and is waiting for permanent residency -- with the help of Sanctuary for Families, she has applied for (and waits for), a U-Visa.<br /><br />Thavi has been cutting away, and has made a major breakthrough with a strong new 20-minute version of the film. We'll be adding the Ynocensia footage over the weekend. Thavi, poor guy, has valiantly has moved on with his life, following his near miss at winning an Oscar for Best Documentary for his film, "The Betrayal." He vows to be back at the Academy within two years.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"></span></span>Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-57724007047471123212009-03-04T08:10:00.000-08:002009-03-04T08:24:18.446-08:00Linda Mills on Chris BrownLinda Mills has been one of the more controversial figures in the domestic violence community. Her books have attracted a lot of attention, including an appearance for Mills on "Oprah." Mills, a professor and vice provost at NYU, has just been quoted in <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20262841,00.html">People</a> with comments about the Chris Brown incident. Here's what Mills had to say:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">But it's love, in all its complexities, that can often be the most powerful force for reconciliation for a battered woman. "They have insight into somebody in a way that none of us do," says Mills, who runs a program in Arizona that brings together couples with family members and a volunteer from the community to talk over what actually happened in a domestic-violence event. The process usually goes on for months. </span> <span style="font-style: italic;">"The ideal might be that we can separate people who are in a violent relationship, but the problem is that that's not the reality," Mills says. "I address the reality, which is that people go back, and they're looking for avenues for the possibility of working through this issue like any other rupture in a relationship, working through this issue to the point where the violence could stop." </span><br /><br />This is bound to provoke controversy in the domestic violence community. When Mills is given an opportunity in a mass-circulation publication to urge women in relationships with abusers to flee for safety, Mills instead speaks about working things out.<br /><br />We interviewed Mills for "Power and Control" and have an excerpt from the interview on the film's main<a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.powerandcontrolfilm.com/"> site</a>. Some people in the DV community have objected to our including Mills in the film. It's tough for me, as the director, to face this criticism, because I have so much respect for the battered women's movement and people who work in domestic violence. But in the final analysis, I'm committed to presenting current significant ideas in domestic violence, and there's no question that Mills has had a high profile and considerable influence.<br /><br />Looking forward to hearing from our readers on this one!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-- Peter Cohn</span>Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-18822965205999186312009-02-25T20:34:00.000-08:002009-02-25T20:35:45.513-08:00Stimulus Bill DV VictoryConsidering talks of cuts in core domestic violence programs, the stimulus bill yields a legislative victory. The three vital programs funding shelters, advocacy programs and police programs have emerged stronger from the bill. What does that mean for domestic violence in America?<br /><br />The promised funding comes in at around $400 million for abuse programs. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) gets $300 million specifically for services, training, officers, and prosecutors (STOP) state formula grants; out of which, $50 million will be devoted to the (VAWA) transitional housing program. The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) will see $100 million. A total of $4.4 million is being devoted to grants for fighting domestic violence. DC advocacy group NNEDV provides a <a href="http://www.nnedv.org/policy/takeaction/45-policy-making/241-economic-recovery-bill-passes-thank-your-members-of-congress.html">succinct wrap up</a> of the legislative outcome.<br /><br />The Department of Justice sees $4 billion for grant funding to enhance state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts, including the hiring of new police officers, to combat violence against women, and to fight internet crimes against children.<br /><br />With past federal and state budget cuts, many victim services have suffered the consequences. Advocates have lost their jobs, even as the demand for domestic violence support services rise and resources faced peril. The final bill supports building on support for domestic violence victims along with encouraging economic self-sufficiency.<br />-- Sarah K. Grundy<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oscar Blues</span><br /><br />Thavi's film, "The Betrayal," didn't win the Oscar it deserved. Not to disparage anyone else's work, but "Man on Wire" is a well made film about a narcissistic publicity stunt. As opposed to Thavi's work -- a complex, historical, autobiographical, artistic, political film unlike any other. From time to time I let my guard down and expect Hollywood will surprise us in some way. Once again, it didn't happen. Phillipe Petite confirmed my discomfort with "Man on Wire" with his ludicrous performance during the acceptance.<br />-- Peter CohnDomestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426004828660587051.post-28931294487386463062009-02-13T03:44:00.000-08:002009-02-13T05:08:26.893-08:00Family Justice Center in DuluthFamily Justice Centers offer a powerful service to victims of domestic violence. Under a single roof: lawyers, police, advocates and other services. While shooting the film, we spent a good deal of time in Brooklyn Family Justice center and also covered the opening of the Queens Family Justice Center, including a moving speech by Michael Bloomberg.<br /><br />A Family Justice Center opened last month in Duluth, MN. Congratulations to Cathryn Curley, of the Safe Haven Shelter, whom we spoke to and spent time with in Duluth. Duluth has been ahead of the nation in just about everything else, so it's fitting that there also be a justice center there.<br /><br />Nadine Meyer, an articulate and open DV survivor, has been helping get out the word about the FJC. She's interviewed in an <a href="http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/112127/">article</a> about the Center in the Duluth News Trib.Domestic Violence Documentaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289066016376140658noreply@blogger.com1