It’s Not Ok

I really get sick to my stomach when I hear about domestic violence.  It’s even worse when you have to watch security video of the incident.

That’s what happened yesterday when TMZ leaked elevator footage of Baltimore Raven’s running back Ray Rice punching his then fiancé Janay in an Atlantic City hotel elevator in February.

I don’t know all the specifics, but it seems as though everyone is suddenly jumping on the NFL for not disciplining Ray Rice sooner, or severely enough.

In my opinion, this ultimately lands on Ray Rice.  Maybe it was a ‘heat of the moment’ decision to hit Janay… maybe this is an ongoing thing in their relationship?  Domestic violence of any kind is wrong in any context.

So now Ray loses his job in the NFL.  That’s fine and dandy, but how does that help Ray learn the errors of his way?  I would rather hear about Ray Rice (and his wife) getting some sort of mental health treatment.  Couldn’t he get some anger management and counseling?  Wouldn’t that better help?

As I mentioned before, I don’t know Ray or his wife.  I don’t know the inner workings of the NFL.  I just hope that this incident is a wake-up call to everyone that this is an issue that is ongoing in our society and needs to be addressed.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, I urge you to take action.  Tell someone.  Get help now.

Our friends at the Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA Victim Services Shelter are there to help you.  They provide emergency safe-shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, primarily for Dubuque County.  (If you’re not from Dubuque County they can tell you who to contact.)  The phone number is 563-556-1100.

I beg, take the first step and get some help.

If there is anything I can do to help, email or call me anytime.  My email is chris.farber@townsquaremedia.com and my personal cell is 563-542-9939.

Let’s shine some light on this ongoing problem.

~CMF