Celebrity's beating paints picture of 'cycle of violence'

Police reports filed after Rihanna's beating at the hands of Chris Brown paint a vivid picture of what happens when the "cycle of violence" is allowed to run its course. Unfortunately, the brutal acts that landed the famous couple in the news are going on among "regular" people every day. The pattern takes on a predictable course: 1) anger build-up, 2) battery/abuse, 3) perpetrator remorse (where the couple often reconcile) and 4) "the honeymoon." Then the cycle starts all over again.

During the honeymoon phase, many couples imagine the worst will never happen again, but if Brown does not participate in an appropriate intervention program and Rihanna does not get the support she needs, the odds are the cycle of violence will be repeated, with increasingly serious injuries.

Domestic violence is an underreported crime, with many victims either too afraid or ashamed to step forward, but authorities estimate that as many as one in every four women is injured by domestic violence at some point during their lives. This kind of crime is of particular concern to residents of Monmouth County, which has the second highest number of reported domestic violence incidents in the state.

Fortunately, in Monmouth County there is help available at 180 Turning Lives Around Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault. 180 offers 24-hour hotlines, emergency housing, family court assistance and trained advocates who accompany survivors at police stations, hospitals and family court.

Victims can break the cycle of violence by calling 732-264- 4111 (toll-free 888-843-9262). The hotline for sexual assault is 732-264-7273 (toll-free 888- 264-RAPE). Additional information is available on our website www.180nj.org.

There is no acceptable reason for violence and abuse. While the Rihanna/Brown incident is a sad chapter in both of their lives, perhaps it will help victims and perpetrators see their own circumstances and make the necessary changes.
Anna Diaz-White
Executive director
180 Turning Lives Around Inc.
Hazlet