There has been enormous outcry recently over a video showing NFL player Ray Rice knocking his then-fiancee Janay unconscious, then dragging her off an elevator. In the midst of the coverage, Ray and Janay appeared at a press conference side by side, and it became clear she had no intention of leaving him, which set off a whole new barrage on social media asking why in the world she would stay.
It is estimated that every nine seconds a woman is beaten in this country. The latest research indicates that 85 percent of reported cases of domestic violence are men against women. These relationships are often characterized by intense jealousy, controlling behavior, denial and blame, intimidation, coercion and threats and isolation.
According to statistics from the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network:
• About 50 percent of men who assault their partners also assault their children.
• As many as 10 million children witness domestic violence annually.