Topic #28: Janay Rice and Domestic Violence. Why does she defend him?
What may seem confusing to many is why Janay Rice is so adamantly defending her husband after the video of her domestic abuse went viral. There is no quick answer, and understanding domestic violence (DV) through the eyes of the victim is complicated. There is an extraordinary amount of ambivalence for many victims of DV; feeling trapped and afraid, but also unable to imagine life without their significant other. In fact, having the video released without their consent may actually drive her to feel an “us against the world” mentality, which she may perceive as a new type of closeness between the two of them. The hope is that this will never happen again, but that’s highly unlikely. More likely is that this was not the first or the last time. Without both acknowledging DV in their relationship and going into intense treatment to learn new ways to communicate, respect, and relate…the cycle typically continues.
If you or someone you know is in the middle of a DV situation, please know that there is help out there. From safe women’s shelters to crisis hotlines:
Where to turn for help for domestic violence or abuse
In an emergency:
Call 911 or your country’s emergency service number if you need immediate assistance or have already been hurt.
Helplines for advice and support:
In the US: call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).
UK: call Women’s Aid at 0808 2000 247.
Australia: call 1800RESPECT at 1800 737 732.
Worldwide: visit International Directory of Domestic Violence Agencies for a global list of helplines, shelters, and crisis centers.
For a safe place to stay:
In the US: a state-by-state directory of domestic violence shelters in the U.S.
