Black Voices

Issue date: 4/27/09 Section: News

Rihanna walks the red carpet.

Media Credit: Stars Journal Chris Brown entering a plea in court

On April 1, Chris Brown appeared in court to enter a plea for the assault charges he received for his alleged attack against celebrity singer and girlfriend, Rihanna.

Since the February 8 attack, this case has brought domestic violence back into the national spotlight.

Television networks and shows like BET, CNN's Larry King Live, the Tyra Banks Show and even the Oprah Winfrey Show have all dedicated time to run specials about the dangers of domestic violence.

Domestic violence extends beyond Hollywood couples and marriages-it is continuing to affect college campuses and teenagers every year.

Statistics show that one in every five female high school students report being physically and/or sexually abused by their dating partner.

Abuse can be physical, verbal, mental, or emotional and is rarely a one-time event. It is a cycle that continues to escalate over time and can even lead to death.

According to recent statistics by the Bureau of Justice, on average, more than three women are murdered everyday by their husbands or boyfriends.

In 2002, the Bureau reported that one in three teenage girls will or have experienced some form of abuse while dating.

Also, a survey of 500 women, ages 15-24, found that 60 percent were involved in an abusive relationship.

It has been reported that Rihanna, like so many other young women, continued her relationship with boyfriend Chris Brown, her alleged abuser. To this, many people would ask, 'Why doesn't she leave him?'

There are many reasons why women do not break-up with their abusive dating partner.

"I loved him. I wanted to make it work," actress Robin Givens explained on Larry King Live in March 2009 about why she stayed in her abusive marriage with Mike Tyson.

She continued, "I wanted to do anything and everything I could for him. I mean I was -- I was very bonded. And it's hard to be bonded and save yourself at the same time. You just want to fix it, you know. You just want to fix it. I wanted to not let him down. I was going to be there for him. And it's hard to do that and -- and save yourself."

Despite assumptions, a woman who remains with her abusive partner is not okay with being abused. Many feel that leaving their partner will spark more abuse so they remain in the relationship because of fear.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the most dangerous point in an abusive relationship is when a woman tries to leave her abuser.

The hotline advises victims of domestic violence to find a strong support system of individuals who will listen, be supportive and nonjudgmental.

Givens is now a spokeswoman for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and talks with women across the nation about her experience and encourages women to seek help.

The hotline is available 24 hours a day. For more information call (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website ndvh.org.

USC also offers confidential counseling services and other resources through the Center for Women and Men. For more information call (213)740-4900.

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