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.