Rihanna and Chris - what can we learn?

"He Hits Me because He Loves Me"
guest comment by SBI Health Education intern, Marquia W.

By now, you've probably heard about Rihanna and Chris Brown and the continuing story; if not, here are the latest links:
Watch Chris: www.eurweb.com/story/eur55822.cfm
Watch Rihanna: www.rnbmusicblog.com/rihanna-2020-full-interview-watch-video/8793/

Listen ladies and gentlemen!

Domestic violence should not happen to anyone. It is absolutely wrong and when it does happen, remember that abuse is NEVER okay and that you are NOT alone. If your partner hits you, puts you down or forces you to engage in sexual activity-THAT IS ABUSE!

Love shouldn’t hurt at all. Remember, love should make us feel healthy and happy about the future. Having a healthy relationship makes us feel good about ourselves and the person we are with. In order to love someone, you have to love yourself as well. You should be able to communicate openly with your partner; be honest with your partner; respect your partner and treat each other as equals. Always keep in mind what the relationship means to you.

If you know of someone who has been abused contact your local 911 emergency service, or one of the agencies listed below.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
www.ndvh.org

New York State Coalition against Domestic Violence:
24 Hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Hotline
English 1-800-942-6906
Spanish 1-800-942-6908
www.apdv.state.ny.us

Recovering from Sexual Assault

Being assaulted is not your fault. If you have been assaulted, get help from someone who you trust, whether it is the police, a friend, a rape crisis center or a relative. Don't isolate yourself because you have no reason to feel guilty, and, most importantly, don't try to ignore it. Rape, even by someone you know, is a crime and a violation of your body and your trust. Counseling and support groups can be helpful to deal with the emotional trauma caused by rape.

How to be supportive in the wake of an assault

"My sister was raped by a family friend, but I am not sure whether I should believe her…"
Whether it's you or someone you know, the effects of rape can be widespread and have the ability to affect groups of people, not only the victim. If someone you know is raped…

• Believe the person.
• Offer comfort and support. Go with him or her to the hospital, police station, or counseling center.
• Let him or her know they are not to blame and they are not alone.
• Encourage him or her to report the crime.

"I am strong, I am a survivor…how do I fight back to make sure this doesn't happen again?"
Taking a stand against rape can be one of the best things you can do to help yourself or anyone else you know that could possibly become a victim of this crime.

• Ask your student government or a parent group to sponsor a workshop on date rape and sexual stereotyping for students. Work with a hotline or crisis center to persuade rape survivors to join the workshop.
• Volunteer at a rape crisis center or hotline.
• Monitor the media for programs or videos that reinforce sexual stereotypes. Write or call to protest. On the other side, publicly commend the media when they highlight the realities of date rape.
• Ask college or professional athletes or other role models to talk to high school students about sexual stereotyping and responsible behavior.