Domestic Violence is NOT Cool

After months of speculating and waiting to hear Rihanna's recount of the altercation between her and ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown, the public has finally heard her story. Rihanna sat down with Diane Sawyer and shared her story with the world in a 20/20 interview. The internet is flooded with articles about the interview as well as segments of the actual video. The interview has also become a trending topic on Twitter. Many believe that Rihanna has not disclosed the full details of the altercation. Some believe that she may have been equally abusive to Chris. In my opinion, it doesn't matter who abused who or how much of the altercation is disclosed to the public. The real issue is that while we're finding interest in Rihanna and Crhis' situation, there are people right around the corner from us, or perhaps in our own households being victimized everday. Domestic Violence is a serious issue that requires more attention.
Did you know:

•  One in four women experience domestic violence. Imagine that you take your daughter and three of her classmates out for ice cream. One of these little girls (perhaps, it's your daughter) will become a victim of domestic violence at some point in their life? Scary huh?
• Domestic Violence occurs against men, women and children. Children who witness domestic violence usually grow up comitting violence on others.
• Women of all races are equally vulnerable to violence by an intimate partner
• 3 out of 4 Americans know someone who is or has been victimized by a spouse or partner within the last year
• More than three women and one man are murdered by a spouse or intimate partner in the U.S. EVERYDAY!

This information was obtained from the Domestic Violence Resource Center's website. Click this link for more information. http://www.dvrc-or.org/domestic/violence/resources/C61/#dom

If you know someone who is or has suffered from domestic violence, you can help them by accessing the sites or calling the numbers below:

         Natl Domestic Violence Hotline-1-800-799-7233 TTY: 1-800-787-3224

• Alliance for Chidren and Families - http://www.alliance1.org/
• Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community http://www.dvinstitute.org/
• National Latino Alliance for the elimination of Domestic Violence http://www.dvalianza.org/
• You have the power....Know how to use it. inc. http://www.yhtp.org/
• Promote Truth. org http://www.promotetruth.org/