Ken Moua – Mosaic Georgia

Someone’s Gotta Say It: The Violence We Excuse—and How Kids Carry It

by Ken Moua in Child & Teen Safety
October 2, 2025October 2, 2025

Someone’s Gotta Say It: The Violence We Excuse—and How Kids Carry It

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

When people hear “domestic violence,” they picture bruises and 911 calls. Those harms are real—and visible. But in homes across our community, another kind of violence hums under the radar: the slammed door that makes everyone flinch, the “jokes” that cut, the phone that’s always monitored, the money that’s always withheld. Violence isn’t only what lands in the ER; it’s also the pattern of control that replaces safety with fear. Kids in those homes learn it in their bones.

Public health has a name for the long shadow of early adversity: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs are linked to poorer health, mental health, and economic outcomes across a lifetime. The dosage matters; so do the buffers. We can prevent and heal—but first, we have to see what’s in front of us.

The national numbers are sobering.

In 2023, 2,412 women were killed by men in single-victim/single-offender incidents; 89.9% knew their killer.
When the weapon was known, 64.9% were shot, and more than half of women fatally shot were killed by male intimates or former partners.
Black women were killed at 2.5× the rate of white women.

These deaths aren’t random—they map to power and control. (Violence Policy Center).

Violence before birth counts, too. Prenatal stress—especially in violent or chronically tense homes—can alter stress hormone and inflammatory pathways, raising risks for preterm birth and low birth weight, and shaping infant brain and immune development. In plain English: stress in the home can change a baby’s start. (CoussonsRead, 2013). If conflict escalates during pregnancy, safety planning is prenatal care.

What does “domestic violence” look like beyond hitting?

Coercive control: location tracking, forced password sharing, isolation from friends/family, sabotaging a partner’s job.

Psychological abuse: relentless criticism, gaslighting, threats (e.g., “If you leave, I’ll take the kids”).

Financial abuse: withholding money, putting debt in a partner’s name.

Physical/sexual violence: including strangulation (often miscalled “choking”) and reproductive coercion (behavior aimed at controlling reproductive choices without consent).

We also need to retire a persistent myth.

Physical punishment isn’t “discipline”—it’s fear, and it travels. Decades of research show spanking is associated with more aggression, anxiety, and relationship problems later in life. There are better tools: calm, consistent limits; natural/logical consequences; repair after conflict. (Gershoff & GroganKaylor, 2016).

And yes, we should talk about masculinity—carefully. The issue isn’t men; it’s narrow rules about “real manhood” that glorify dominance, toughness, and emotional shutdown. The APA points to how these norms erode mental health and can fuel aggression, while calling us to model healthy masculinity—empathy, accountability, and care. Boys need permission (and practice) to name feelings, ask for help, and treat power as a responsibility, not a weapon. For practitioners, see the APA’s Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men.

Sometimes, harmful ideas about control get a religious gloss. Surveys of White Christian nationalism show substantially higher support for political violence among adherents than rejecters. That’s not a direct intimate partner violence (IPV) rate, but the logic overlaps: domination presented as righteousness. When any belief system sanctifies one person’s control over another, children learn that control = love—and risk rises. (PRRI).

So what does prevention look like?

1) Build Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). One caring adult, predictable routines, chances to help and belong — are buffers that can reduce the harms of ACEs and strengthen mental health into adulthood. (Bethell et al., 2019).

2) Model nonviolent masculinity. Strength includes curiosity, repair, and restraint. If we want teens to reject coercion, they have to see adults practicing consent, apologies, and boundary keeping. See the APA guidance.

3) Replace hitting with skill building. Sometimes adults need a “time out” to calm down before engaging. Trade swats for scripts: “I’m upset; I need five minutes.” “Here’s the boundary; here’s the consequence.” Practice the behavior you want. (Evidence overview).

4) Use bystander power. If something feels off with a neighbor or friend, you don’t need proof to care. Try: “I’m concerned for your safety. I’m here.” Listen, but don’t push for information. Offer a ride, childcare, or a quiet place to make a call. (CDC’s ACEs prevention actions).

5) Start early and systemwide. Trauma-informed prenatal care, perinatal mental health supports, safe housing, paid leave, and childcare lower family stress—the kind that spills onto kids. Public health isn’t just clinics; it’s conditions. (CDC’s public health approach to ACEs here).

Someone’s gotta say it: the violence we politely overlook in homes today becomes the weight our children carry tomorrow—sometimes from the very beginning of life. But this is also true: kids don’t need perfect families to thrive. They need safe adults, predictable care, and communities that insist love is never control.

From Primitive to Evolved

Abuse and domination are not signs of strength—they are relics of our most primitive instincts: fear, control, survival at all costs. But humanity has always evolved. With knowledge, empathy, and history as our teachers, we can choose to rise above reflex and create relationships built on respect. We must do better—because we know better.

CALLOUT: What You Can Do (Starting Today)

At Home

Replace physical punishment with calm, consistent boundaries and repair after conflict.
Model emotional language (“I feel… I need…”) and practice cooling‑off.
Teach consent, digital respect, and bystander skills; normalize help‑seeking.

As a Friend/Neighbor

Believe survivors. Say, “I’m concerned for your safety. I’m here.” Offer practical help (rides, childcare).

In Faith & Community Spaces

Reject teachings that sanctify control; publish clear no‑abuse policies and referral pathways.

At School/Work

Support evidence‑based programs on healthy relationships and adopt policies that respond swiftly to harassment.

Policy & Philanthropy

Invest in and support advocacy centers, perinatal mental health access, safe housing, childcare, and paid family leave.
Improve the civil legal process to receive protective orders after experiencing harms. Currently, the rights of the abuser to roam are valued higher than the victim’s right to safety. The ping pong between courts instructing the victim to call 911 the next time and law enforcement instructing the victim to get a temporary protective order (TPO) so they have something to enforce, has led to deadly outcomes.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence at home, our crisis line is staffed with caring and knowledgeable advocates who can help inform with proper resources and information.
Mosaic Georgia’s 24/7 Crisis Line: 866-900-6019

Beyond the Headlines: The Everyday Reality of Exploitation

by Ken Moua in Awareness & Education
September 3, 2025September 3, 2025

Someone’s Gotta Say It

Beyond the Headlines: The Everyday Reality of Exploitation

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

The media is talking about Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell again. The outrage is real — but the truth is more uncomfortable: there are Jeffrey Epsteins in every community.

They aren’t always billionaires or celebrities. Sometimes they’re neighbors, coaches, classmates, boyfriends, or trusted family friends. They use grooming techniques, power, fear, and — increasingly — social media to exploit children, teens, and adults.

One man’s “party” is coercive assault and abuse of another person. When you see others as less than human, it is easier to believe you are entitled to their obedience, sex, or affection. Shame and silence support the cycle. Would you behave this way if your grandmother, mom or daughter were present?

At Mosaic Georgia, we don’t need headlines to remind us of this reality. We see it every day.

The 1st Six Months of 2025

It can’t be that bad, some say. What are the numbers? We keep track of our services – many developed from analyzing the data and identifying system gaps. Here is what courage and resilience looked like in Gwinnett in the first half of 2025:

Safe to Say It Out Loud

271 children and teens sat in a safe room and told a trained professional what they had endured or witnessed. These brave conversations, called forensic interviews, often mark the first step toward safety, healing and justice.

158 survivors received immediate medical forensic exams after being assaulted. The patients ranged in age from 2 years to 61 years. Among the adults, 19 survivors chose not to report to law enforcement. Their evidence kits were collected and securely stored — preserving their chance for justice in the future, when and if they are ready. This ensures survivors don’t lose their chance for justice, even if they need more time.

515 people in crisis picked up the phone not knowing if anyone would answer — and found a Mosaic advocate on the line, ready to listen, believe, and act.

12 young survivors of trafficking were identified and supported with over 500 specialized services — to begin the long journey to health.

Securing Victims’ Rights and Safety

Safety doesn’t stop at medical care – it continues into courtrooms, schools, homes, and legal systems.

319 survivors turned to Mosaic Georgia for legal advice and education, including 23 who received direct representation from an attorney. Many were experiencing complex family, criminal, or civil issues while trying to stay safe from stalkers, abusers, or system gaps.

Healing from Betrayal & Violence

Healing is not a straight line – but it starts with safe, trusted support.

580 individuals began counseling to reclaim their mental health and resilience. They participated in nearly 1,000 sessions with our licensed, trauma-focused therapists.

Strength through Community: 828 participants in support group and Wholeness Collective programming: 110 support group sessions equipped over 270 participants with healing and growth are possible. 68 Wholeness Collective events engaged over 550 youth and adults.

A Voice through Advocacy

Victim Advocacy is specialized support for people who have experienced crime or abuse. Think of it like patient advocacy -but for survivors of violence. Much like a patient advocate helps navigate medical and insurance systems, our advocates help survivors understand their rights, access resources, and make informed choices after a traumatic event. We ensure their voices are heard in systems that are stretched and focused on process.

We provided over 29,000 advocacy contacts and supports in the first six months and managed over 60 subpoena and records requests, reducing survivors’ legal burden.

Each contact represents a moment when a survivor didn’t have to face the trauma alone.

Shifting the Shame

While society debates sensational scandals, too often survivors in our own neighborhoods are asked What were you wearing? Why Didn’t you leave? Why didn’t you call the police?

These questions, however curious, neutralize the responsibility of the perpetrator and assumes they have no self control.

Instead of questioning survivors, we should be asking perpetrators: Why did you think it’s okay to be intimate with someone who didn’t want that? Why didn’t you walk away when she said she wasn’t interested? Why did you get mad when she said no?

A Community That Doesn’t Look Away

Even as we moved into our new Lawrenceville Center in May, our services never stopped. In June, more than 100 community members — including dignitaries, funders, and partners — joined us for our Grand Opening. WSB covered the event, amplifying the message that Gwinnett will not look away.

Why This Matters Now

The Epstein and Maxwell cases may dominate the headlines, but exploitation thrives in silence.

Survivors in our communities deserve more than shock and outrage — they deserve dignity, safety, healing, and justice.

Behind every number is a survivor. Someone who decided to trust us with their story, their safety, and their future. Mosaic Georgia stands with them — alongside you, our community — for safer, stronger tomorrows. Don’t wait for the next headline. Join us!

Someone’s Gotta Say It: What a Difference a Year Makes

by Ken Moua in Professional Insights & Experiences
August 6, 2025August 12, 2025

Someone’s Gotta Say It

What a Difference a Year Makes

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

One year ago, we were running out of space—literally and figuratively.

Mosaic Georgia had outgrown our facilities, our systems were straining under the weight of growing demand, and we were navigating an increasingly unstable funding environment for victim services. Our clients—survivors of sexual assault, child abuse, and sexual exploitation—never stopped showing up. So neither did we.

Fast-forward to today: We’re now settled into our new home in Lawrenceville, thanks to a transformative partnership with Northside Hospital. But this isn’t just a bigger building. It’s a bold investment in people and community.

This represents more than a physical upgrade. It reflects decades of work—and thousands of survivor stories—woven into the fabric of Gwinnett County.

Our roots go back to Ann Smiley, who founded Gwinnett Rape Crisis in a ranch-style house in Duluth and made it the first center in Georgia to provide medical forensic exams outside of emergency rooms. That bold step launched a trajectory of innovation and compassion. Under longtime Executive Director Ann Burdges, we expanded to serve children and introduced civil legal aid as a core service—another Georgia first.

Today, Mosaic Georgia offers a full continuum of trauma-informed care: 24/7 crisis response, pediatric and adult medical forensic exams, child forensic interviews, counseling, legal assistance, and healing programs. Whether someone lives in an outside encampment, an extended stay motel, or a gated community—we serve them all. And we do so with confidentiality, dignity, urgency, and care.

Our new space was designed with that purpose at its core. It says to every child, teen, and adult who enters:

We see you. You are not alone. And you deserve to feel safe.

Thanks to your support—and Northside Hospital—we now have a center that can handle the depth of care we provide. One-third larger than our previous location, it brings together every essential service. Fewer delays. More dignity. Better care.

But space alone doesn’t create healing. People do.

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, I’m filled with gratitude—for those who bring this work to life and those who trust us with their healing. From the child who whispers, “You’re nice. Can I come back?,” to the nurse who works through lunch to finish documentation, to the donor whose quiet generosity powers our mission—every person makes a difference.

Being in Lawrenceville, at the heart of Gwinnett County, is more than geographic. It reflects who we are: a community where diverse voices come together, where partnerships thrive, and where progress is built, together.

To our extraordinary partners:

Northside Hospital—for believing in this vision and making room for it.

Core Investors in this dream—the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council; Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners; foundations like Fraser-Parker, James M. Cox, and Tull; corporations like Gas South and Primerica; and those who give as Anonymous—thank you for laying the groundwork to get us here.

Donors and board members—your support of what happens inside the walls is what keeps us strong.

Our Mosaic of institutional partners—law enforcement, prosecutors, DFCS, GCPS, the courts—you are not just collaborators; you are part of this healing ecosystem.

To our staff, volunteers, and advocates—you make this dream real with your love, labor, and fierce dedication.

This new space is a promise kept. But the future of this work—its reach, its quality, its sustainability—is not guaranteed.

Policy shifts and funding gaps threaten the very programs that protect victims and hold offenders accountable. The systems we’ve built are strong, but they’re not immune to political agendas or budget cuts. That’s why we need you.

This summer and fall, help us keep the momentum going. Give if you can. Share our message. Speak up for policies that protect, not punish, survivors. And model consent, respect, and care in your own homes and communities.

If you’ve already joined us on this journey—thank you. If not, now is the perfect time.

Because what a difference a year makes—when people choose to care, to act, and protect.

Here’s to more light, more love, and more healing in the months ahead.

Healing Across Cultural Lines: AAPI Heritage Month and the Journey Toward Inclusive Sexual Assault Awareness

by Ken Moua in Awareness & Education
May 19, 2025May 20, 2025

Healing Across Cultural Lines: AAPI Heritage Month and the Journey Toward Inclusive Sexual Assault Awareness

Compiled/Co-authored by:

Esther Ko
Managing Attorney

Amanda Makrogianis Mickelsen
Marketing Project Manager

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month offers a vital opportunity to address sexual assault within AAPI communities, where cultural stigmas and immigration status often create additional barriers to reporting and seeking help. Many AAPI survivors face unique challenges, including language barriers, fear of bringing shame to their families, and distrust of systems that have historically failed to provide culturally responsive care. These intersecting factors contribute to the underreporting of sexual violence in AAPI communities, making dedicated advocacy and culturally-specific resources essential components of effective support systems.

By recognizing these distinct challenges during AAPI Heritage Month, we can promote healing-centered approaches that honor diverse cultural contexts while working toward more inclusive sexual assault prevention and response. This commemoration reminds us that effective awareness must acknowledge how cultural identity shapes survivors’ experiences and pathways to healing.

Mosaic Georgia has partnered with various organizations within the Asian community to drive discussion, educate, and collaborate.

In a significant cross-cultural exchange, Mosaic Georgia recently welcomed lawyers from Seoul National University School of Law to discuss approaches to supporting sexual assault survivors. The visit illuminated stark contrasts in reporting processes, with Korean survivors facing additional hurdles such as requirements for detailed written statements before police investigations can proceed. This collaboration highlighted how cultural and systemic barriers create universal challenges for survivors seeking justice, while offering both parties valuable insights into developing more trauma-informed approaches that could be implemented across continents.

Mosaic Georgia’s outreach to parents and caregivers at the Korean Parent Association Seminar at
Northview High School addressed growing concerns about children’s safety in the digital age. The seminar covered critical topics including family violence, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse, while providing practical information on protective orders, divorce proceedings, and crime reporting. Discussions centered on how deeply embedded cultural norms—particularly around shame—can prevent survivors from seeking help and accessing justice, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive support services within AAPI communities.

Teen dating violence education was the focus of another impactful event where Mosaic Georgia
staff educated Korean teenagers about their rights under Title IX, consent concepts, recognizing dating violence, and reporting options. The interactive session revealed emerging trends in technology-facilitated abuse affecting young survivors. Participants openly discussed the unique social pressures that prevent teen survivors from coming forward, including peer pressure, bullying, and fears about social ostracism—challenges that are often amplified within tight-knit cultural communities.

Recognizing the influential role of faith leaders, Mosaic Georgia conducted a comprehensive
Korean Pastor Training Seminar for 50-60 pastors on family violence, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse. Staff attorney Esther provided crucial education on mandatory reporting laws, reporting procedures, and appropriate responses to disclosures involving children, elders, and adults with disabilities. This engagement acknowledged the pivotal role spiritual communities often play in survivors’ healing journeys and emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces within faith contexts where cultural sensitivities are understood and respected.