Domestic violence

 

Troubled relationships remain concern for all

 

Friday, February 13, 2009

 

One report alleges that 20-year-old singer Rihanna was beaten so severely she could barely open her eyes for the police photos.

 

The details are still emerging about Rihanna's apparent fight with her longtime, on-again-off-again boyfriend, singer Chris Brown, but it is clear something went horribly wrong during a car ride late last Saturday night.

 

Whatever the outcome of the Rihanna and Chris Brown case, it's sobering that this story broke in national media the week before Valentine's Day. As commercial outlets urge us to buy roses, cards and candy to show our love over the holiday, it's easy to forget that not all relationships are happy ones.

 

Domestic violence continues to plague many families, including those right here in the commonwealth.

 

Statistics released this week by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence reveal that on an ordinary day -- Sept. 17, 2008 -- 2,476 adults and children sought services from domestic violence agencies in the state.

 

The date was selected randomly by a national advocacy group, and Pennsylvania's 61 shelters and agencies looked back at their service records to highlight how real domestic violence still is in our communities.

 

The stories behind the statistics speak for themselves. In February 2007, "two young children, strapped in the back seat of a car outside a day care center, watched as their father shot their mother through the car window and then committed suicide," according to reports.

 

Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the nation in the number of murder-suicides, which generally involve the killing of one parent or significant other and then suicide by the other person.

 

No one wants to see families, especially those with young children, suffer in this way.

 

Concerns have arisen that current economic conditions could see an increase in domestic violence cases. Recent trends indicate a spike over last year in the numbers calling some hot lines and seeking assistance.

 

There is no great cure to end all domestic violence. It is a struggle that needs all of us -- family members and neighbors, law enforcement, shelters and aid workers -- working together.

 

As some of us buy candies and mushy cards for tomorrow's romantic holiday, our hearts -- and help -- should go out to those in troubling and dangerous relationships.