Service Groups and Faith Alliance

April 18, 2023

In attendance:

Niki Miller, Shield NC; Officer Kenneth Ragland, Apex PD; Officer Victoria Carter, Apex PD; Phil Welch, Apex Housing Board; Porscha Green, Called to Peace Ministries; Sandra Pierce, Called to Peace Ministries

Porscha Green and Sandra Pierce spoke to us about assisting domestic violence victims and the services offered at Called to Peace Ministries. 

Domestic Violence is about POWER & CONTROL and the “power over” rather than “power with” dynamic. It is a pattern of behavior. Abusers try to control things like where the victim goes, who the victim talks to, the victim’s finances, or the victim’s actions. They use “coercive control.” In a domestic violence relationship, one person clearly and consistently has more power in the relationship.

1 in 3 women will experience severe physical abuse by an intimate partner. 

50% of homeless women are fleeing a domestic violence situation.

90% of domestic violence victims are women.

House of Peace Publications offers a 12 month course to train community leaders regarding domestic violence.

Children who witness Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Control are:

• 6 times more likely to commit suicide
• 50% more likely to use drugs/alcohol
• 74% more likely to commit a violent crime

55-70% of abusers will eventually also abuse the children in the home

Boys from homes where there is domestic violence are 25 times more likely to commit rape as an adult.

90% of males in prison have either witnessed or experienced domestic abuse as children.

Ways we can help:

• Take the 12 course program (one course a month) offered by House of Publications to learn about domestic abuse and coercive control. Called to Peace Ministries can use more advocates.
• Lead a Called To Peace Ministries support group.
• Become a Church Partner
• Become a Business Partner
• Volunteer to provide support to victims and their children or help with organizational and administrative needs.