Recent Media Events Bringing Domestic Violence to the Forefront

All avenues of communication are bombarding the public with the events of Ray Rice and his suspension form the NFL. The majority of the media focus had been on the football star or the NFL, not his wife.

Mrs. Rice has been a victim of domestic violence, as have 25% of the women in the United States. Many people ask, “Why didn’t she just leave him.” A synonym for domestic violence is “control.” Abusers have total control over their victims and convince them to believe that if they just didn’t wear that dress or say those words, the person they love would not have to hurt them. These victims have surrendered their self-esteem and believe that they cannot survive without their abuser.

Yes, here in the greatest nation in the world, one out of every four (4) women in the United States are being abused by their intimate partner. In Mrs. Rice’s case the whole world has viewed this violence, but in most cases it remains behind closed doors and unaddressed. Unfortunately, the longer a woman stays in an abusive relationship, the more isolated and disempowered she becomes, and making it harder to leave. Moreover, children who witness and experience domestic violence are much more likely to grow up to be abusers or victims of abuse themselves. This is the cycle of domestic violence.

Dottie’s House, Inc. is dedicated to breaking the cycle. Dottie’s House is a safe house located in Ocean County that provides seventeen (17) apartments available to women and their children who have been victimized by domestic violence and are ready to heal. The rigorous two (2) year program seeks to give women the confidence and life skills to remain separated from their abusers and raise their children in a healthy and safe environment. Dottie’s House is dedicated to helping women empower themselves and become self-sufficient.

Dottie’s House, Inc. relies on the support and generosity of the community. If you are a victim and ready to break the cycle of violence, or if you are an individual that can help financially, please contact Dottie’s House at lfarahani@homes-now.org or visit www.dottieshouse.org