MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- A mid-state domestic violence advocate says her agency is seeing increased interest from victims and the general public in the wake of the NFL’s indefinite suspension of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice.
The Ravens released Rice on Monday, just hours after a video was released that shows him punch his fiancé, knocking her unconscious.
Kimberly Reynolds, with the Domestic Violence and Sexual AssualtPro gram of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, says they’ve seen an uptick in the number of victims calling for help.
“It’s almost as if when they see somebody who is, you know, quote-unquote ‘famous’, it almost gives them permission to speak out and say, you know, ‘Me too!’”
Reynolds says when she speaks about domestic violence, the thing that surprises people the most is how pervasive the problem is. She says one American in four has or will be a victim in his or her lifetime.
“If it’s not you, it’s definitely somebody that you know, and the best thing you can do is be there for that person, and encourage them and understand that a victim may only reach out to family member or a friend one time.”
Reynolds says if victims don’t get a positive response, they may not reach out again.
If you’d like to learn more, visit the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program website.