DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS NOT A NEW CRIME

For the past several days, there has been a lot of talk about Ray Rice and the loss of his job with the Ravens based on his abusive actions toward his wife.  What saddens me is that 1 in 3 women in the United States alone have already been suffering, yet there has been no significant dialog until someone famous shows up on the news.  Domestic violence is a silent crime that is often swept under the rug until something dangerous happens.

Be assured, while we saw the horrific violence he displayed towards his wife in the elevator, this was surely not the first time he had exhibited that type of heinous behavior.  Even worse, society still has no understanding of why a woman may stay in an abusive relationship, and eventually treat her as the bad guy.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter if the NFL knew about the tape or not.  What does matter is this man and anyone else who physically assaults someone is supposed to be charged and placed in jail, even if the victim is afraid to prosecute. Sadly, this man shows no remorse, which is typical with an abuser, and I can only imagine the sheer hell she must be going through, now that her husband has lost his source of income.  I guarantee that his poor wife is being blamed.

Closer to home, someone you know is being battered.  The cashier in the grocery store where you shop has been verbally abused and criticized for years if she's late cooking dinner.  The broken arm of your cousin was not caused by a fall down the stairs.  The verbal degradation of thousands of women happens every day, affecting their self-esteem and mental well-being.  Physical assault or rape, verbal humiliation and name calling, emotional and financial abuse are all considered domestic violence.  No one should have to live with that kind of treatment.

My heart goes out to Rayven Rice who is silently dealing with this nightmare, and there are still so many women right in your neighborhood who need your support and guidance; not your unfair judgment.  There's no such thing as, "she provoked it" or she made him do those things.  Some are afraid to leave because their situation may get worse.  They may have no source of income, afraid of having to live in a shelter or no food to eat.  Many are afraid that their children may be hurt.  Abuse is all about control and manipulation and it doesn't just happen to celebrities.  Remember - Love should NEVER hurt.


 


This is the time to call your local domestic violence shelter to find out how you can assist, or take time to listen if someone tries to share what is going on.  Your actions can literally save a life.

InterAct
24-Hour Crisis Lines
Domestic Violence: 919-828-7740
Rape/Sexual Assault: 919-828-3005