Domestic Violence is Not a Tabloid Story

Recent stories in the media about celebrities enmeshed in domestic violence situations prove that money and status do not always deflect tragedy. For example, the pictures of Rihanna that surfaced last year after her brutal encounter with fellow singer Chris Brown made us all wince as we wondered how we could have gotten it so wrong. Not only were we shocked by the fact that this "boy next door" could commit an act so heinous, but we also wondered just how long Rihanna had tolerated his behavior. As we stood on the outside looking in, we assumed that both led a charmed life filled with money, fame, glamour, and happiness.

In another well-publicized case, actor Charlie Sheen was arrested in Las Vegas this past Christmas morning and charged with domestic violence against his wife, Brooke Mueller. Former child sitcom star, Gary Coleman, has experienced several legal problems over the past few years, and most recently, these have included accusations of committing acts of violence against his wife as well. With more and more celebrities becoming the subjects of such stories, it is often easy for us to sit back and judge both the offender and the victim. Furthermore, if we are not mindful, we can also become desensitized to the realities of domestic violence and chalk it up to just another day of Hollywood drama.

When a celebrity is involved, the frequent public knee-jerk reaction is to zero in on the salacious details of the story rather than to focus on the fact that a real crime has been committed. It is generally safe to assume that most tabloid-style magazines and television programs do not publicize celebrity cases of abuse because they feel a social responsibility to do so. The bottom line is money, and stories such as these drive magazine sales and attract viewers. There is undoubtedly an element of sensationalism attached to any report about a celebrity being either a victim of domestic violence or the perpetrator of it; however, these particular cases do at least manage to bring to light an issue that is often considered a problem that only plagues the poor or less educated.

Whether by personal choice or exposure from investigative reporters, when a celebrity's experiences with abuse are publicly exposed, it forces us to take notice and it often alters the perceptions we have held about what kind of person could end up in that sort of situation. The truth is, anyone can find themselves in a violent relationship. Neither wealth, notoriety, nor a high level of education insulates anyone from falling in love with a person capable of crossing this line. This kind of publicity also helps to shift the mindset of a victim when she can identify with a celebrity who is coping with the same fear, shame, and embarrassment that she is.

Unfortunately, despite progress over the last few decades, there is still a stigma attached to domestic and dating violence. We must understand that domestic violence is not just "their" problem. Domestic violence is a societal problem that affects us all. Domestic violence is also a complex and frequently misunderstood issue. If these celebrity stories are used as a platform to educate about domestic violence, rather than as a chance to boost ratings or readership, both the victims and the public will be empowered to take a stand against this crime. Consider this the next time you see a battered celebrity on television or gracing the cover of a magazine.

If you or someone you care about is a victim of abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline immediately at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Hotline advocates there offer anonymous and confidential help 24 hours a day, 365 days per year that includes crisis intervention, safety planning, information, and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They can also offer assistance in Spanish and have access to more than 170 languages through interpreter services. If you are interested in making a difference and getting involved by helping victims of abuse, hotline advocates can steer you in the right direction for that as well.