Transitioning Times

As an advocate working in the field of domestic violence and sexual assault, I talk a lot about power and control. It's funny, when you recognize the dynamics of power and control; you start to see it everywhere. I am glad I am able to recognize it now and point it out to clients, in order to help them recognize the power of it. What is power and control? Here's a little graphic for you. (http://www.lfcc.on.ca/HCT_SWASM_5.html) Simply put, it is someone's need to feel power and control over another person. This can manifest in many different ways and severities. It could be something as simple as changing the time of a person's plans from 5 to 5:15. (Of course, if this happens to you, it doesn't necessarily mean that the person does it to feel power and control over you.) And on the other spectrum, it can manifest in domestic violence and sexual assault. Rape is not about a desire for sex, it's a desire for power and control.  Anyway, th...

  They are the victims without voices.   Some might bark, others meow or some tweet a song. They are the pets suffering due to domestic violence. According to aspca.org , a study conducted by The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reveled that 85.4 % of women and 63% of children reported incidents of pet abuse after arriving at domestic violence shelters. Why do abusers target pets? To demonstrate power and control over the family To isolate the victim and children To enforce submission To perpetuate an environment of fear To prevent the victim from leaving or coerce her to return To punish for leaving or showing independence   How can you help your local Domestic Violence center like Transitions assist victims and their pets? Encourage victims to include their pets in their safety plan Consider opening your home as a temporary foster home while a victim is in safe housing ...