The Ray Rice video is a reminder that many people live with the real threat of domestic violence and that we do not know what happens behind closed doors. Domestic violence can happen to anyone.
Please share this link and phone number widely. You may help someone escape danger or even save a life.
If you are afraid, it is not okay and it is not your fault.
You can get help.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
TheHotline.org
1-800-799-SAFE
1-800-799-7233
From the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
Does your partner ever….
> Embarrass you with put-downs?
> Control what you do, who you see or talk to or where you go?
> Look at you or act in ways that scare you?
> Push you, slap you, choke you or hit you?
> Stop you from seeing your friends or family members?
> Control the money in the relationship? Take your money or Social Security check, make you ask for money or refuse to give you money?
> Make all of the decisions?
> Tell you that you’re a bad parent or threaten to take away your children?
> Prevent you from working or attending school?
> Act like the abuse is no big deal, deny the abuse or tell you it’s your own fault?
> Destroy your property or threaten to kill your pets?
> Intimidate you with guns, knives or other weapons?
> Attempt to force you to drop criminal charges?
> Threaten to commit suicide, or threaten to kill you?
If you answered ‘yes’ to even one of these questions, you may be in an unhealthy or abusive relationship. In this section, you’ll find all sorts of information on different forms of abuse. Don’t hesitate to chat or call [The National Domestic Violence Hotline] (1-800-799-SAFE) if anything you read raises a red flag about your own relationship or that of someone you know.
Christopher Lehman 