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“Sadly, the alleged violent assault of Rihanna by Chris Brown is not unique — women and girls in every community experience violence every day. While there are many unanswered questions, the police report seems to suggest that this was an extremely violent and sustained assault. If it is true, it is deeply disturbing. As with all dating and domestic violence cases, the criminal justice system has an obligation to ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable.
Without question, Chris Brown is entitled to the same presumption of innocence as anyone else charged with a crime, but we should all remember that violence is never acceptable. Nothing a victim does, and nothing in a perpetrator’s background, ever justifies violence. Those who commit violence must be held accountable, and their victims need and deserve protection, support and privacy.
It is important to remember that leaving a relationship often is a process. This kind of violence takes a severe emotional toll, and each woman must weigh numerous factors and decide what is her best course of action. Nobody should blame Rihanna if she has not yet left this relationship; we should instead be asking why Chris Brown may have resorted to violence.
Unfortunately in most cases, abusers don’t change without professional help and accountability. Chris Brown has talked in the past about the trauma he experienced growing up in a home in which there was domestic violence. Kids in that situation need help, and he may not have gotten it. Certainly, that does not excuse any crime he may have committed, but it is a reminder that we can and must do much more to help kids who witness abuse.”
The Family Violence Prevention Fund works to end violence against women and children around the world, because every person has the right to live free of violence. More information is available at www.endabuse.org. In partnership with the Advertising Council, the FVPF has launched That’s Not Cool, a new campaign designed to help start a conversation among teens so they will connect the dots and recognize when controlling behavior becomes abuse. Learn more at www.thatsnotcool.com.
SOURCE Family Violence Prevention Fund / PRNewswire-USNewswire
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I have been advocating non-violence/abuse for many years. I think we are gaining ground as more and more woman have voices in government and media. I will say however that now that more and more progress is being made here, let’s not forget to mention abuse against men as well.
I know that it is easy for me to say she should just leave but I wish that she would not go back to him. If she does I hope that this won’t happen again.
It is a pity she has decided not to testify against him. I just hope that the next time he beats her (and there WILL be a next time) that he doesn’t hurt her more seriously.
The thing that gets me is that often these people think it’s a “get out of jail free” card to claim that they grew up with domestic violence themselves.
And yes, I agree that there will be a next time… very unfortunate.
I also think there will be a next time, it is a very sad situation and I am sure all the publicity does not help.
This case is a reminder that there are many victims of domestic violence (male as well as female) and it can be very hard for them to get out of the situation
I find this so sad in that a lot of times people don’t get out of abusive situations because of financial problems and that’s just not a factor here. I know that there are many other reasons people stay and or go back but this is one of the main reasons.
Finance is often a factor but emotional dependence is a significant issue too. Many victims feel (wrongly) that it was in some way their fault.
I have heard people who were in such situations say that you need a plan to get out. It is very hard to just leave spontaneously.
Lindsey I have heard that too, it is very difficult for the victim to step back and see the true situation because the abuser has a big influence on them.
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