Saturday, March 14, 2009

Love Doesn't Hurt

The Chris Brown and Rhianna saga has played out in the media for weeks and Oprah recently explored the issue of domestic abuse on her show and plans to continue the discussion next Thursday when she speaks with men who have been abusers. (Tune in!)

Oprah reiterated her earlier message to singer, Rhianna that "if a man hits you once, he will hit you again and that love doesn't hurt."

Teen guests on the show expressed mixed perspectives on the issue. As have many in the public. The Chris Brown and Rhianna incident reintroduces the topic of domestic violence and abuse to mainstream media, it exposes violence and abuse in young love and the stigma often placed on victims. Rhianna and Chris Brown both grew up witnessing violence and abuse in their homes. Statics show that witnesses (victims) of abuse often become abusers. Oprah recognizes that and offered words of encouragement to both of them. There is much to learn from the story of these two young people. It forces all of us to reflect on our personal lives and experiences.

Abuse has no specific face...it affects female, male, rich, poor and all racial ethnicity's. Its present in all religious affiliations and political orientation. It can affect any household. Emotional and verbal abuse is more prevalent in marriages than physical abuse and battering. However, its not as easily recognized. Verbal and emotional abuse, when on the receiving end can be as debilitating as physical battering.
Abuse is a pattern of control that one person exercises over another. Battering is a behavior that physically harms, provokes fear and prevents their partner from pursuing their free will and forces them to behave in ways they do not want to.


If you think you might be in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Lets talk about it...post your comments. We want to hear from you.




2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I saw the Oprah too. Tyra is annoying as what! Or maybe she's just passionate, but she makes everything about her.

I would have liked for them to spend more time with the teen panel, thats where will change can happen. I agree this exposes, the need that young kids need to hear and learn about abuse earlier than later. Because many of them are experiencing it.

I am praying for Chris and Rhianna

Spicy Wifey said...

Today Oprah will have men featured on the show, who are abusers. It will be a new perspective not frequently seen in the media.

Yes,there is a huge opportunity to educated our teens about young love. Do's & don'ts that we don't often discuss. Its disturbing to think that young people are engaging in physically abusive relationships.

Its a positive that this topic has come to light. And we can do our part affect necessary change.