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Rihanna and Chris Brown, smiling in this 2007 photo, are in the news now because of domestic violence charges.
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Domestic violence common among teens, young adults

Pop star's arrest brings attention to serious problem of domestic violence

Date published: 3/22/2009

I DON'T PAY much attention to popular culture these days. But even if you're like me, you've probably heard about the Chris Brown/Rihanna abuse situation.

For those of you who haven't, Brown and Rihanna are a very popular rapper/singer couple who recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons after Brown allegedly beat Rihanna quite severely.

It's a horrible situation, but one benefit is it's bringing a lot of attention to the problem of intimate partner abuse.

Most victims of intimate partner violence are women, and since I'm a gynecologist, that is where I'll focus. But men can be victims of domestic violence as well and deserve the same support as women in that situation.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 4 million to 5 million women are victims of violence each year.

The majority of victims of intimate partner abuse are between the ages of 16 and 24--Brown and Rihanna's age group.

A shocking 23 percent of pregnant women are victims of intimate partner abuse.

The physical, emotional, mental and economic consequences of intimate partner abuse are profound.

The best defense against intimate partner abuse is to never end up in that situation in the first place. Unfortunately, it's not always that easy.

TESTING THE WATERS

Many who find themselves in this kind of relationship (both the perpetrator and the victim) were exposed to abuse growing up--although it can happen even without that history.

The onset is often insidious. Most women wouldn't tolerate a man walking up out of nowhere and hitting them. And that's why it usually doesn't start that way. Abusers may start with verbal insults or emotional manipulation and abuse to "test the waters" to see how far they can go.

They may attempt to control a woman's every move and demand to know where she is at all times. Gradually cutting a woman off from her family and friends is another common tactic. If they can get away with these behaviors, then the problem escalates, and physical violence is often the unfortunate end result.


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If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, there is help. Locally, there is the Rappahannock Council on Domestic Violence, reachable at 540/373-9379 or toll free at 877/734-7238. They can help batterers as well as victims.

There's also the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, at 800/838-8238.

These are only two of many organizations available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So if you're in an abusive situation, please reach out and know there are people who care and can help. Your health care provider also can provide information on organizations that can help.



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Date published: 3/22/2009


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Viewing 5 out of 9 comments. (Sorted in reverse order, with most recent post at the top.)

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Myths (posted by Dharma41 , Mar. 23, 2009 3:58 pm)   
I need to proof read much more better : )

Gender Bias Against Men is Pervasive in our Culture.. (posted by Dharma41 , Mar. 23, 2009 3:55 pm)   
I know it seems obvious to all that there is insurmountable bias against men; however, I am still shocked when I hear it from people like doctors and lawyers. This kind of bias is destructive to families and children. It biases our Courts, keeps Dads from their children and does society as much, if not more, harm as the violence Dr. Lewis purports to advocate against. Please educate yourself before perpetuating such harmful miths against half the population.

funny (posted by cassandra&sarasdaddy , Mar. 23, 2009 12:54 pm)   
va passed one of the first stalker laws touted by the feminazis. first prosecution was a woman. and according to what i hear the beating mighta been earned. http://www.hollywire.com/chris-brown/did-rihanna-give-chris-brown-herpes/ and if she hit first shame on her

Your figures do not seem to be from Peer Reviewed studies 2 (posted by MikeMurphy , Mar. 23, 2009 12:27 am)   
Lesbian DV is about 40% higher than hetero. Lesbians are both female last time I checked. Women kill and abuse children at a far greater rate than fathers. I believe you need to refresh your information before presenting yourself as any kind of expert in this field. I would not want you to be my Doctor if that is your level of research capability.

Your figures do not seem to be from Peer Reviewed studies (posted by MikeMurphy , Mar. 23, 2009 12:21 am)   
IPV is nearly equal between genders putting your whole premise in jeopardy. You have offered no citations for your figures which I believe will not stand peer reviewed scrutiny. I am very disappointed to see a professional with mythic numbers and a fallible notion of "Most victims of intimate partner violence are women". Most reported yes as only about 10% of male victims report. You do not also appear to know that Rhianna struck Mr, Brown first.

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