Domestic Violence Taking Center Stage After Rhianna Incident
Kristina Dillon
Issue date: 3/24/09 Section: News
One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, according to a new study by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
The recent events regarding pop stars Chris Brown and Rhianna have brought attention to domestic violence among young adults over the past month. Reports that Rhianna, 21, and Brown, 19, have reconciled has angered celebrities, parents, and domestic abuse advocates all over the country.
Brown was charged with two felonies after allegedly choking, punching and biting her. Despite that, reports say the couple has since reconciled. Experts say nearly 80 percent of girls who have been physically abused continue to date their abuser.
The fact that something so personal could affect two celebrities that often seem "perfect" has left Mercy College students with a lot to say.
"This whole Rhianna and Chris Brown incident is both alarming and disturbing; I can't seem to find a reason why anyone would assault someone that they supposedly love," said Mercy College student Rebecca Amaral.
"I hope he learns a hard lesson, and as for Rhianna, I just hope she doesn't go back to him. Domestic Violence is at an all time high, and I think that all too many people settle down in abusive relationships not knowing how to get out," she continued. "It's like they are in a trap."
The Department of Justice states that an approximate 1.5 million women report being physically abused in relationships every year, spanning all socioeconomic and ethnic groups in the United States.
Out of 50 anonymous women polled at Mercy College this month, an alarming 39 of them admitted to either being in an abusive relationship themselves, or knowing someone that has been.
Most people confuse the words for domestic abuse as meaning merely physical, yet mental and emotional distress also constitute abuse.
According to psychologist Dr. Stephanie Waldbaum, emotional or psychological may be the most common forms of abuse.
The recent events regarding pop stars Chris Brown and Rhianna have brought attention to domestic violence among young adults over the past month. Reports that Rhianna, 21, and Brown, 19, have reconciled has angered celebrities, parents, and domestic abuse advocates all over the country.
Brown was charged with two felonies after allegedly choking, punching and biting her. Despite that, reports say the couple has since reconciled. Experts say nearly 80 percent of girls who have been physically abused continue to date their abuser.
The fact that something so personal could affect two celebrities that often seem "perfect" has left Mercy College students with a lot to say.
"This whole Rhianna and Chris Brown incident is both alarming and disturbing; I can't seem to find a reason why anyone would assault someone that they supposedly love," said Mercy College student Rebecca Amaral.
"I hope he learns a hard lesson, and as for Rhianna, I just hope she doesn't go back to him. Domestic Violence is at an all time high, and I think that all too many people settle down in abusive relationships not knowing how to get out," she continued. "It's like they are in a trap."
The Department of Justice states that an approximate 1.5 million women report being physically abused in relationships every year, spanning all socioeconomic and ethnic groups in the United States.
Out of 50 anonymous women polled at Mercy College this month, an alarming 39 of them admitted to either being in an abusive relationship themselves, or knowing someone that has been.
Most people confuse the words for domestic abuse as meaning merely physical, yet mental and emotional distress also constitute abuse.
According to psychologist Dr. Stephanie Waldbaum, emotional or psychological may be the most common forms of abuse.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jon
posted 8/25/09 @ 10:12 PM EST
I want to know why Rhianna was not also charged with Domestic Violence. I realize that Chris did injur her and should face a harsher sentence for the battery, but she did hit him also, even if she did not leave a mark. (Continued…)
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