Director-producer Peter Cohn frames his documentary about domestic violence in the U.S. around the influential work of the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (DAIP), established 30 years ago in Duluth, MN, by social activists Ellen Pence and Michael Paymar. What has become known as the “Duluth Model” argues that violence against women stems from a male-dominated society, and the “power and control” wheel developed by DAIP to chart aspects of destructive behavior is now used worldwide. Pence and Paymar are also known for successfully advocating for related law enforcement policies (such as mandatory arrest in domestic violence instances) and establishing a treatment program for abusive men. The two are interviewed here, along with academics, medical and law enforcement personnel, and batterers in the DAIP men's group, while some critics of the Duluth Model also offer brief remarks. Cohn personalizes the issue by chronicling the experiences of one shelter resident, Kim Mosher, whose husband physically and verbally abused both her and her three young daughters. Marshaling courage and determination, Mosher finally decides to get a divorce, finds a low-paying job, qualifies for housing, and moves into a new home with her children. In the documentary's final moments, however, Mosher reconciles with her spouse—a reminder of the messy reality of family relationships. Also featuring a 50-minute version edited for profanity, this is recommended. [Note: the companion documentaries Domestic Violence Law Enforcement and Domestic Violence and Health Care are also newly available, priced at $125 each.] Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)
Power and Control: Domestic Violence in America
(2010) 64 min. DVD: $125: high schools & public libraries; $295: colleges & universities. Hillcrest Films (dist. by New Day Films). PPR. ISBN: 978-1-57448-272-0. Volume 25, Issue 5
Power and Control: Domestic Violence in America
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