2008 Woodie Awards
Programs for abused presented
Providence House 1 of organizations who aid victims of violence in Ocean County
By David Nugent
in NewsIssue date: 4/3/08 Section: News
As part of the celebration of women's history month, OCC played host to Providence House, an organization that helps women who have been victims of domestic abuse. A workshop was held in the Technology Building Mar. 4, and Felicia Mills represented Providence House.
Mills informed the group that in 2007, there were 700 cases of reported abuse in Ocean County, and she emphasized "reported." A vast majority of cases go unreported for many reasons, Mills said.
In many cases the abuse is not realized because many people have a narrow definition of the term. Many feel abuse is just physical. Mills pointed out there are other types, including mental and financial.
In one case, Mills sited a husband did not allow his wife to eat. Other examples included women who were unable to hold jobs or had their paychecks taken by their significant others. An abuser may prevent a victim from associating with friends. Abuse can take many forms.
How far might some people go? There have been cases in in which mileage trackers have been installed on vehicles. Some abusers resort to sexual assault.
An understanding of the cycle of abuse can prevent future abuse. The first stage is called "tension building." Mills described this as walking on eggshells because the person being abused is trying to anticipate the abuser's next move.
During the second stage, the acute battering stage, the tension becomes unbearable and is uncontrollably released. During this stage, violence is most severe. This is the stage in which the police show up at the house.
The abuser regains control only after the victim has "learned" her lesson. In response to the pain and terror, the victim becomes detached.
The final stage is the hearts and flowers stage. At this time, the abuser behaves n a contrite, loving manner while denying the abuse.
The abuser places blame on the victim. The abuser makes promises to stop, generally because the victim is threatening to leave. The abuse does often stop for a time, but generally the abuse begins again. The cycle of violence repeats itself.
Mills informed the group that in 2007, there were 700 cases of reported abuse in Ocean County, and she emphasized "reported." A vast majority of cases go unreported for many reasons, Mills said.
In many cases the abuse is not realized because many people have a narrow definition of the term. Many feel abuse is just physical. Mills pointed out there are other types, including mental and financial.
In one case, Mills sited a husband did not allow his wife to eat. Other examples included women who were unable to hold jobs or had their paychecks taken by their significant others. An abuser may prevent a victim from associating with friends. Abuse can take many forms.
How far might some people go? There have been cases in in which mileage trackers have been installed on vehicles. Some abusers resort to sexual assault.
An understanding of the cycle of abuse can prevent future abuse. The first stage is called "tension building." Mills described this as walking on eggshells because the person being abused is trying to anticipate the abuser's next move.
During the second stage, the acute battering stage, the tension becomes unbearable and is uncontrollably released. During this stage, violence is most severe. This is the stage in which the police show up at the house.
The abuser regains control only after the victim has "learned" her lesson. In response to the pain and terror, the victim becomes detached.
The final stage is the hearts and flowers stage. At this time, the abuser behaves n a contrite, loving manner while denying the abuse.
The abuser places blame on the victim. The abuser makes promises to stop, generally because the victim is threatening to leave. The abuse does often stop for a time, but generally the abuse begins again. The cycle of violence repeats itself.
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