Domestic violence has a new face. Due to the media circus surrounding this case, we all know that Christopher Brown is responsible for beating up Rihanna’s beautiful face. He even apologized and pleaded guilty to one count of felony assault. Domestic violence is very prevalent throughout society. As you can see from the picture, it is worth revisiting the issue.
After looking at Rihanna’s battered face, many believed that Chris Brown would be spending time in jail. Instead, Chris Brown was sentenced to five years probation. In addition, he must spend more than 1,400 hours in “labor-oriented service.” To say the least, many young people who look up to Chris Brown are getting the wrong message about the seriousness of this crime.
There has been a lot of speculation about whether or not Rihanna and Chris Brown will stay together as a couple. The court has ordered him to stay away from Rihanna for the next five years. In terms of her mental health, dire consequences will follow if she chooses to stay in a relationship with him.
With that said, I want to delve deeper into the issue of domestic violence and the impact on women–specifically the Battered Woman’s Syndrome, which is most commonly known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. According to Dr. Lenore Walker, the nation’s best known expert on battered women, there are four general characteristics of the syndrome:
“1. The woman believes that the violence was her fault; 2. The woman has an inability to place the responsibility for the violence elsewhere; 3. The woman fears for her life and/or her children’s lives; 4. The woman has an irrational belief that the abuser is omnipresent and omniscient.”
Battered Woman’s Syndrome has been used in criminal cases since the late 1970′s.
On March 9, 1977, Francine Hughes’ mind snapped after thirteen years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. She poured gasoline around her abusive husband’s bed and started a fire while he slept; thus, killing her husband and burning her house to the ground. After the trial in Lansing, Michigan, Hughes was found “not guilty” by reason of insanity. The Burning Bed was written by Faith McNulty. Farrah Fawcett starred in the television movie that premiered on NBC on October 8, 1984.
Since that case was decided, numerous studies, articles, court cases and legislation concerning domestic violence and battered woman’s syndrome have been introduced to our system of jurisprudence.
Another recognizable case is the State of Virginia vs. Lorena Bobbitt. Lorena Bobbitt’s mind snapped after years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well. She cut off her abuser’s penis with a carving knife. The jury found Lorena Bobbitt “not guilty” due to a bout of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Battered Woman’s Syndrome). Again, temporary insanity is a valid defense when dealing with women who strike out at their abusers.
By the way, Francine Hughes and Lorena Bobbitt are the exception and not the rule. In most cases, women who kill or harm their abusers are not acquitted. The public shouldn’t be under the mistaken notion that women are “getting off.” Women are going to prison.
To all of my sisters, don’t let anyone break your spirit or break your mind. To all of the abusive men, seek help. Love doesn’t hurt. I learned that lesson the hard way. And yes, I was mad about it. In fact, my anger caused me to go through counseling, to remove myself from my abusive situation, and to complete specialized training at The Domestic Violence Project, Inc./Safe House.
I had some stuff going on in my life. And if you woke up this morning with some stuff going on in your life, let this blogpost serve as a warning.
I challenge my sisters to channel their anger, empower themselves, and leave their abusers. Don’t let fear cripple you. Take back your power! “What’s love got to do with it?” It’s hard to break the cycle of abuse but with God all things are possible.
To all of the Ascension Blog readers, please remember this verse from the Bible:
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Peace and Love,
Rachel Araya
Comments on: "Mad About It" (5)
You have somehow managed to eclipse your previous post. The topic you’ve discussed is a purvasive issue in our society today. Clearly not enough attention is paid to these issues. Thank you for sounding the alarm. Please don’t stop writing.
~DDuncan
OK SISTER, YOU HAVE MANAGED TO DO IT AGAIN, I LOVE READING YOUR ARTICLES, ECSPECIALLY THE ONES YOU HAVE FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE. YOU SHOW YOUR STRENGTH, YOUR POWER, YOUR HEART IN EVERYTHING YOU WRITE. THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS I AM PROUD OF YOU AND WHO YOU HAVE BECOME. REMEBER I ALWAYS LOOKED YOU TO YOU WHEN I WAS GROWING UP AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED!!!!!! LOVE YOU GIRL——–OH YEAH AND…………… STRANGE’, STRANGE’!!!!(EDDIE MURPHY MOVIE BOOMERANGE) KEEP THEM COMING PLEASE.
Excellent posts! I have a close friend who died due to injuries inflicted by a boyfriend so this issue hits close to home.
I would love for you to share your writing with the readers on my site (http://urbanthinking.net) by cross posting it there, if you care to.
Thank U 4 writin this very important article & 4 sharin ur personal xperience. I wld luv 2 C an article on, “How 2 Avoid Abusiv Men.” I remember readin a book called, “Mad @ Miles or Mad abt Miles. In it, the author made a list of things to look out 4. If a woman takes the time 2 study a man b4 intimacy, she will increase her chances of nterin a healthy relationship.
Hopefully Rihanna will send a message 2 women by publicly 4givin Chris and explaining that she loves herself too much 2 put herself n that position w/him or any other man again. 4givness is an important step n the healin process…as long as people do not confuse it w/acceptance.
Rachel, this is a very interesting and extremely avoided topic. Domestic violence is a topic that has hit many homes, and “very close to home.” Why the topic is not talked about as much as others, I am not sure. At the end of the day, we need people like you that will expose the intricate details of topics such as domestic violence.
I crossed paths with a young lady that was in an abusive relationship, let’s call her JANE. She came to class on a Friday morning with signs of physical abuse (i.e. black swollen eyes). We all (the staff) suspected that her injuries were the result of an abusive relationship, however, no one addressed the issue. Due to the nature of the class/program, it would have been OK to have addressed JANE regarding the suspicion of her being a victim of physical abuse. Her case worker spoke with a few staff members regarding the issue, however, decided to wait until Monday to speak with JANE. Well, the young lady did not show up for class on Monday. Later that morning we received a phone call stating that JANE had been killed over the weekend by her boyfriend.
It saddens me to feel like if someone would have reached out to JANE that day, her life could have been spared. Often, we do not have another day. We do not have control over tomorrow, we can not change yesterday, but we do however have the power to change “right now.” She needed intervention “right now,” which was right then at the time.
It is quite sad that a young lady with such a promising future life was cut short due to domestic violence. This could have been Rihanna, she could have been many who was spared a second chance. Only God knows. Ladies, and gentlemen (if it applies) let’s make a vow that we will not take it anymore. LEAVE “Right Now,” WHILE YOU CAN, because tomorrow may be too late.
Rachel, Keep spreading the word, because your messages are very deep. You never know who’s life will be touched by your writings. You are doing an awesome job.