I write about Domestic Violence from a family member’s point of view. I was shocked to learn my sister’s death fell under domestic violence. I think we are aware, as a society, of the horrors one can face when in a controlling relationship. However, since this is one segment of violence that crosses all boundaries, I really don’t think we can say enough about the subject. So, today, I will share the Wheel of Power & Control. I was directed to this image, shortly after Cristi’s death, four years ago. Read it. Ponder it. Learn to understand it. Then, if you can identify yourself in any of the roles — change your behavior. Change the way you think about the world. Remember, we all deserve respect. We each have as much right to be here as the next person. Our individual rights do not include controlling others.

A word on the picture. This is one of the last photos with my sister, Cristi, pictured on the far left. I thought this photo, of my wedding, was kind of funny to elicit how difficult control is to get, so how much power one must have if control is their ultimate goal.