Athena Project aids domestic abuse victims with counseling
By: Tara Johnson
Issue date: 1/27/09 Section: News
The reality of domestic abuse and violence resonated throughout the city when jury found Jeffrey Scott, 32, guilty of second degree murder in the beating death of his 28-year-old wife, Ashley Scott.
The Athena Project is a local asset available to victims of domestic abuse. Created in November of 2008, the Athena Project is a research clinic for survivors of domestic abuse. It offers a clinical insight on the long-term needs of domestic abuse victims.
"I saw a flyer in the bathroom stall, but you never imagine that you would be one of those females," said Meghan, who asked for her last name to be withheld.
Meghan was in an abusive relationship for seven years.
"I was young and na've, and he preyed on that," Meghan said. "He made me feel like I needed him. He pulled me away from friends and family. I don't quite know why I stayed - I guess I had seen a good side."
Gayle Beck, Athena Project organizer and newly appointed chair of excellence for the department of psychology, said abuse takes many forms. Abuse may be straightforward some times, and more complicated at others. It may come in verbal form, such as insults pin-pointing particular weaknesses, financial dominance or physical violence.
Victims of abuse sometimes experience anxiety, depression, irritability, nervousness, loss of concentration, and recurring memories of violence and abuse.
According to Beck, domestic abuse is an "equal opportunity event."
"It's not only among the poor or under-educated," she said. Abuse lives here in the city, on the campus and in the suburbs, according to her.
"For most women in relationships, abuse starts off very gradual," said Kelley Strathmore of the National Center for Victims of Crimes. "The man is sweet in the beginning but then becomes manipulative and overbearing."
Victims are often isolated from friends and family by a dominant partner, furthering dependence and creating an atmosphere conducive to abuse.
Society often blames the victim when it comes to emotional and physical abuse against women saying, "Well, why doesn't she just leave him?"
Beck answered that women may not always have the "psychological wherewithal to leave." Also, "victims may be financially dependent or fear of being killed by their abusers."
The Athena Project is open to the public, yet the majority of women who have contacted the research clinic since its opening last November have been affiliated with The U of M, according to Beck.
The assessment is free and confidential and involves a two-to-three session evaluation. Recommendations and referrals to doctors are available case-by-case. Sessions are conducted in the psychology department at The U of M.
Individuals interested may contact Gayle Beck at (901) 678-3937.
The Athena Project is a local asset available to victims of domestic abuse. Created in November of 2008, the Athena Project is a research clinic for survivors of domestic abuse. It offers a clinical insight on the long-term needs of domestic abuse victims.
"I saw a flyer in the bathroom stall, but you never imagine that you would be one of those females," said Meghan, who asked for her last name to be withheld.
Meghan was in an abusive relationship for seven years.
"I was young and na've, and he preyed on that," Meghan said. "He made me feel like I needed him. He pulled me away from friends and family. I don't quite know why I stayed - I guess I had seen a good side."
Gayle Beck, Athena Project organizer and newly appointed chair of excellence for the department of psychology, said abuse takes many forms. Abuse may be straightforward some times, and more complicated at others. It may come in verbal form, such as insults pin-pointing particular weaknesses, financial dominance or physical violence.
Victims of abuse sometimes experience anxiety, depression, irritability, nervousness, loss of concentration, and recurring memories of violence and abuse.
According to Beck, domestic abuse is an "equal opportunity event."
"It's not only among the poor or under-educated," she said. Abuse lives here in the city, on the campus and in the suburbs, according to her.
"For most women in relationships, abuse starts off very gradual," said Kelley Strathmore of the National Center for Victims of Crimes. "The man is sweet in the beginning but then becomes manipulative and overbearing."
Victims are often isolated from friends and family by a dominant partner, furthering dependence and creating an atmosphere conducive to abuse.
Society often blames the victim when it comes to emotional and physical abuse against women saying, "Well, why doesn't she just leave him?"
Beck answered that women may not always have the "psychological wherewithal to leave." Also, "victims may be financially dependent or fear of being killed by their abusers."
The Athena Project is open to the public, yet the majority of women who have contacted the research clinic since its opening last November have been affiliated with The U of M, according to Beck.
The assessment is free and confidential and involves a two-to-three session evaluation. Recommendations and referrals to doctors are available case-by-case. Sessions are conducted in the psychology department at The U of M.
Individuals interested may contact Gayle Beck at (901) 678-3937.