![]() Cohn even gives some camera time to opponents of the Duluth Model, although their family-values platform doesn’t come off particularly well in the context of the film. Testimonials from survivors, abusers, counselors, and cops make a solid case for the program, as we watch women beginning to claim power for themselves and men struggling to understand their own violent actions. ![]() Cohn digs into the history of the Duluth Model, a homegrown strategy that revolutionized domestic violence treatment in the 1980s by addressing the issue as more cultural than personal. Peter Cohn‘s Power and Control should be doubly so for local audiences, set as it is in our own backyard. It goes without saying that a documentary about domestic violence is going to be uncomfortable viewing. There’s a certain gallows humor in scenes with these conservative academics and “men’s rights activists,” who have indeed been given plenty of rope.Įqually a useful primer on aspects of domestic violence and a purely harrowing story (with a walloping twist), “Power and Control” is highly recommended,”’ But the film’s protagonist is Kim Mosher, who, along with her two young daughters, moves to Duluth from Wabasha in order to escape her abusive husband.Īs Mosher and her jittery kids take up residence at the Safe Haven Shelter in Duluth, New York-based director Peter Cohn observes the difficulties of a single-parenting survivor’s quest to find work, housing and peace of mind.Īt the same time, and rather amazingly, Cohn turns the camera on Mosher’s abuser, and includes the views of those who take aim at the Duluth model for allegedly ignoring the needs of male victims. Pence, who was recently diagnosed with terminal breast cancer (and will appear in person at the MSPIFF screening), gives the documentary some of its pathos and nearly all of its historical scope. The Duluth model is also known for having instituted the law of mandatory arrest of abusers at scenes of domestic violence. Subtitled “Domestic Violence in America,” “Power and Control” proves to be a sharply detailed and occasionally heart-wrenching look at what Duluth-based activist Ellen Pence calls an “outgrowth of patriarchal society.”Īs co-founder of the Domestic Violence Intervention Project almost 30 years ago, Pence is one of the key architects of what has come to be known worldwide as the “ Duluth Project” - a once-radical and now simply levelheaded manner of looking at abuse through the overlapping lenses of culture, politics and gender. “Power and Control” would be valuable to all those interested in domestic abuse issues. ![]() *** Point to the complexity of the problem and the critical need for national, state,Īnd community-based responses to crimes of abusive behavior. Makes and/or carries out threats to hurt me Threatens to commit suicide Threatens to report/embarrass/out me to an agency or others Threatens to leave me Pressures me to commit illegal actions.Equally a useful primer on aspects of domestic violence and a purely harrowing story (with a walloping twist), “Power and Control” is highly recommended.Ī stark reminder that this kind of violence is all around us. Prevents me from getting or keeping a job Makes me ask for money Gives me an allowance Takes my money Refuses to let me know about or have access to shared income. Treats me like a servant Acts like the “head of the household” Makes all the big decisions Defines each person’s role in the relationship Uses gender, race, class, etc. Makes me feel guilty about the children Uses the children to relay messages Uses visitation to harass me Threatens to take the children away. Makes light of the abuse Doesn’t take my concerns seriously Denies abuse ever happened Shifts blame for the abuse to me by saying I caused it. Using IsolationĬontrols what I do, who I see, what I read, where I go and who I talk to Limits my volunteer, religious or outside activities Monitors my behavior and communication Uses jealousy to justify actions. Puts me down Makes me feel bad about myself Calls me names Makes me think I am crazy, misinterpreting or over-reacting Plays mind games Humiliates me Makes me feel guilty or ashamed.
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