Our Services: Centers of Must™
Centers of Must™ Defined: Places she goes because she has to. Mainstream systems - like healthcare, the criminal legal system, schools, and child protective services - centering the layered trauma language of Black women increases safety in these spaces for her.
My Research
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I have conducted research involving over 50 Black women, including myself, across Iowa, Ohio, Missouri, Texas, New York, Florida, and Puerto Rico.
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I have extensively reviewed periodicals, journals, and articles on Black women and domestic violence in the US over the past 5 years, and I am committed to continuing this research.
My Approach
I see myself as a Rubik's cube, accessible to human services students, police officers, child protective services workers, victim services organizations, governmental, nonprofit, and white-owned organizations. I invite them to examine me, ask questions, run scenarios, explore "what ifs," and apply the concepts I teach, fostering learning through inquiry rather than blame.
My Studies
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Certified Community Health Worker
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Well-versed in the national/international cutting edge research:
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Professor Jane Monckton-Smith's 8-stage DV timeline
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Dr. Hillary Potter's dynamic resistance
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Dr. Emma Katz's post-separation abuse
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Heather McGhee's solidarity dividends
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Recommended Book List
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In Control; Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder: Jane Monckton-Smith
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Battle Cries; Black Women and Intimate Partner Abuse: Hillary Potter
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Coercive Control in Children's and Mothers' Lives: Emma Katz
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The Sum of Us; What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together: Heather McGhee
I asked Courageous to collaborate on the STOP VAWA federal grant. In this work she provides culturally relevant training and technical assistance - expanding visibility and access for survivor of violence while creating protective environments which reduce violence from occurring. I did this because Courageous is a content expert who is genuine and authentic. She is a remarkably wonderful person to work alongside and delivers highly impactful opportunities for healing and engagement. With Courageous I know we are making a difference, I know we are ending violence, I know we are supporting survivors and creating a better world for tomorrow.
Monica Goedken, MPA, Violence Prevention Coordinator, IHHS
