03/06/09 (CA):
Rihanna Case Prompts Press Release From DV Organization
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Another story on domestic violence, though a little more high profile. The alleged assault upon pop star Rihanna by her boyfriend Chris Brown has prompted a press release by Esta Soler, President of the Domestic Violence Prevention Fund, a body that works towards promoting an end to domestic violence worldwide.
The following is a statement of Esta Soler, President, Family Violence Prevention Fund:
"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
© X-Pro 2009
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