A terrible incident happened with Rihanna- Chris Brown beat her leaving devastating bruises on her body. Rihanna spoke, “it’s embarrassing that’s the type of person that I fell in love with.”
Due to Rihanna’s love for Chris she went back to him, but realizing that her actions influenced other young girls in the same situation she did not want to send the message out that it is alright to go back to an abusive relationship. Therefore, Rihanna’s choice was to leave Chris forever. Rihanna was interviewed on ABC News, to speak of her feelings and her strong opinions on this incident. Rihanna felt that she had to go back to Chris in the beginning, because she had such strong feelings for him and she did not want him to harm himself. This is a life changing experience for Chris because he has now went from being loved by the public to being hated. Chris has tried to express to the public and Rihanna through songs that he is truly sorry about what he has done.
During the ABC interview, Diane Sawyer states that “it takes 7-8 times of abuse before the victim will leave the relationship.” People become scared for themselves when living with an abuser who could become more abusive, but may be scared to leave the relationship in spite of love and lack of resources. Remember that by staying you are condoning and enabling the abuse- and helping your partner to stay sick. If your partner is unwilling to get help the only sage course of actions is to totally remove yourself from the situation and seek help on your own (2007). Rihanna and Chris Brown’s famous abusive relationship shows how abuse can happen to anyone. People are fearful of getting help, and also embarrassed by their situation. Rihanna said she did not want to talk to anyone after the incident; she could not even talk to her family, due to shame and embarrassment. Even though she has a lot of friends and support networks, she could not reach out to them. Help is available for both parties in abusive relationships if they can reach out to resources.
Abuse is a serious concern for any victim. Victims need to seek help from someone they trust. Rihanna sends a message out that perfect people have bad things happen and you need to look at the situation as a third person. If anything should appear to be looking like abuse and/ or a violent relationship- get out. If you are looking for information and resources in Canada, www.shelternet.ca has locations that you are able to drop by or call for help. If a friend you suspect is in need of help, you should contact one of your local community resources. The length of time you can stay at the shelter is limited, but most shelters will also help you find a permanent home, job, and other things you need to start a new life. “The shelter should also be able to refer you to other services for abused and battered women in your community, including: legal help, counselling, support groups, services for your children, employment programs, health-related services, educational opportunities and financial assistance,” (2009).
Abuse needs to be addressed immediately and people need to get help for it.
Written by Candance, Nursing Student placement at mindyourmind
(2007). Abusive Relationships. Retrieved from http://www.recovery-man.com/abusive/abusive.htm, November 10, 2009.
(2009). Help for abused and Battered Women. Domestic violence shelters, support and protection. Retrieved from http://helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_help_treatment_prevention.htm, November 1, 2009.
