Violent end: The relationship between Rihanna and Chris Brown ended suddenly after Brown allegedly beat Rihanna. Brown awaits sentencing for his actions. (photo courtesy of thevisualpoetssociety) By Marcus J Reynolds
Collegiate Staff Writer
Collegiate Staff Writer
Edited by Lauren Fitch
Chris Brown, 19 an R&B artist and triple threat in music, acting and dancing, allegedly acted out a violent fit of rage on his beautiful pop star singer girlfriend, Rihanna, 20.
According to an article in the London Times, Brown isn't alone; one in seven men believes it is justifiable to hit a woman.
The same mindset can be found in Grand Rapids, Mich. Bobby Clottman, 36 of Grand Rapids, said he grew up witnessing his foster dad abusing his foster mother.
“I believe that Chris Brown was just acting out what he learned in the home,” Clottman said. “The way I was taught is that the man is over the woman by any means necessary.”
Yirssi Bergman, president of GRCC's Women Now said, “Some men are emotionally immature and believe it's ok to hit a woman rather than respect her for being a woman.”
There have been many media spins on why and how Brown's action happened, including speculations and rumors such as she gave him herpes or he was cheating and then Rihanna checked him on it.
Chris Brown, 19 an R&B artist and triple threat in music, acting and dancing, allegedly acted out a violent fit of rage on his beautiful pop star singer girlfriend, Rihanna, 20.
According to an article in the London Times, Brown isn't alone; one in seven men believes it is justifiable to hit a woman.
The same mindset can be found in Grand Rapids, Mich. Bobby Clottman, 36 of Grand Rapids, said he grew up witnessing his foster dad abusing his foster mother.
“I believe that Chris Brown was just acting out what he learned in the home,” Clottman said. “The way I was taught is that the man is over the woman by any means necessary.”
Yirssi Bergman, president of GRCC's Women Now said, “Some men are emotionally immature and believe it's ok to hit a woman rather than respect her for being a woman.”
There have been many media spins on why and how Brown's action happened, including speculations and rumors such as she gave him herpes or he was cheating and then Rihanna checked him on it.
The latest is he came from an abusive upbringing himself, where he witnessed his mother being abused by his stepfather.
So far, the truth isn't out there yet. But the real truth is a man should never put his hands on a woman---period!
Who would ever think the young, charismatic R&B star would ever be investigated for domestic violence and making criminal threats to such a stunning woman as Rihanna?
President of the National Organization for Women, Kim Grady, answered the question best two days after the incident, in her nationwide press release regarding the altercation: “Whether you are rich or poor, famous or not, young or old--domestic violence does not discriminate.”
The story of domestic abuse is closer to home than many people think. Virgia Hankins, a Grand Rapids Community College student, is living proof.
“When we first met he wasn't abusive, but it became worse and worse,” Hankins said of former a boyfriend.
As Hankins stood outside GRCC's Raider Grille, time seemed to stand still as she relived her experiences. The strains of life and the abuse showed on her. A criminal justice major and mother of two daughters, her body slightly shifted and contorted involuntary as she spoke about how anything could “set him off.”
“Another man could speak to me or I could be out with the girls, this would set him off,” Hankins said.
She didn't want to elaborate on what happened during those times, but the way she held her head down told the whole story.
“The last episode, I thought he was going to kill me,” Hankins said.
Finally fed up with her abuser, Hankins left in the middle of the night in her pajamas after six years of abuse and called the police. Many women are not so courageous and fortunate to make it out.
According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence approximately 1,200 women a year, or 3 every day, die in the United States as a result of domestic violence.
“No one deserves to be hit in a relationship,” Hankins said. “The first time you see it, you should get out.”
Hankins isn't as well known as Rhianna, but as a woman she, too, deserves respect. So why would Brown or any man would abuse a woman? Is there ever a good reason?
Research shows abusers have common characteristics: they are possessive, jealous and controlling of their partners.
Hankins said, “He didn't want me to be me, he loved me as long as I was quiet and doing what he wanted.”
Hankins said her abuser is imprisoned for his wrongdoings.
So far, the truth isn't out there yet. But the real truth is a man should never put his hands on a woman---period!
Who would ever think the young, charismatic R&B star would ever be investigated for domestic violence and making criminal threats to such a stunning woman as Rihanna?
President of the National Organization for Women, Kim Grady, answered the question best two days after the incident, in her nationwide press release regarding the altercation: “Whether you are rich or poor, famous or not, young or old--domestic violence does not discriminate.”
The story of domestic abuse is closer to home than many people think. Virgia Hankins, a Grand Rapids Community College student, is living proof.
“When we first met he wasn't abusive, but it became worse and worse,” Hankins said of former a boyfriend.
As Hankins stood outside GRCC's Raider Grille, time seemed to stand still as she relived her experiences. The strains of life and the abuse showed on her. A criminal justice major and mother of two daughters, her body slightly shifted and contorted involuntary as she spoke about how anything could “set him off.”
“Another man could speak to me or I could be out with the girls, this would set him off,” Hankins said.
She didn't want to elaborate on what happened during those times, but the way she held her head down told the whole story.
“The last episode, I thought he was going to kill me,” Hankins said.
Finally fed up with her abuser, Hankins left in the middle of the night in her pajamas after six years of abuse and called the police. Many women are not so courageous and fortunate to make it out.
According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence approximately 1,200 women a year, or 3 every day, die in the United States as a result of domestic violence.
“No one deserves to be hit in a relationship,” Hankins said. “The first time you see it, you should get out.”
Hankins isn't as well known as Rhianna, but as a woman she, too, deserves respect. So why would Brown or any man would abuse a woman? Is there ever a good reason?
Research shows abusers have common characteristics: they are possessive, jealous and controlling of their partners.
Hankins said, “He didn't want me to be me, he loved me as long as I was quiet and doing what he wanted.”
Hankins said her abuser is imprisoned for his wrongdoings.
The verdict is still out on Brown. He mad a public apology, turned himself in to the Los Angeles Police Department and is out on $50,000 bail. He also lost several endorsement deals because of the publicity.
In Hankin's case, the attitude of her abuser is clear.
“I don't believe he'll change,” Hankins said. “I still love him, but I can't accept the abuse.”
What will Rihanna do? Her father, Ronald Fenty, has made a public statement regarding his daughter on ABC news.
“At some point, she will speak out," Fenty said. "I hope she will stand up for women all over the world.”
Hankins left her abusive relationship and stood up for herself. Hopefully, Rihanna will do the same.
“I don't believe he'll change,” Hankins said. “I still love him, but I can't accept the abuse.”
What will Rihanna do? Her father, Ronald Fenty, has made a public statement regarding his daughter on ABC news.
“At some point, she will speak out," Fenty said. "I hope she will stand up for women all over the world.”
Hankins left her abusive relationship and stood up for herself. Hopefully, Rihanna will do the same.
The bottom line: Famous or not, all women deserve respect, and it is never ok for a man to harm a woman.
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Breakdown of domestic violence
Fact NO. 1: Only about half of domestic violence incidents are reported to police. African-American women are more likely than others to report their victimization to police. According to Lawrence A. Greenfeld. (1998). (Violence by Intimates: Analysis of Data on Crimes by Current or Former Spouses, Boyfriends, and Girlfriends. Bureau of Justice Statistics Factbook
Fact NO. 2: Men perpetrate the majority of violent acts against women (DeLahunta, 1997).
Fact NO. 3: In the National Violence Against Women Survey, approximately 25 percent of women and 8 percent of men said they were raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, cohabiting partner, or date in their lifetimes. The survey estimates more than 300,000 intimate partner rapes occur each year against women 18 and older. ( According to the Full Report of the Prevalence, Incidence, and Consequences of Violence Against Women).
Fact NO. 4: 17.6 percent of women in the United States have survived a completed or attempted rape. Of these, 21.6 percent were younger than age 12 when they were first raped, and 32.4 percent were between the ages of 12 and 17. (According to the Full Report of the Prevalence, Incidence, and Consequences of Violence Against Women, Findings from the National Violence Against Women).
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Breakdown of domestic violence
Fact NO. 1: Only about half of domestic violence incidents are reported to police. African-American women are more likely than others to report their victimization to police. According to Lawrence A. Greenfeld. (1998). (Violence by Intimates: Analysis of Data on Crimes by Current or Former Spouses, Boyfriends, and Girlfriends. Bureau of Justice Statistics Factbook
Fact NO. 2: Men perpetrate the majority of violent acts against women (DeLahunta, 1997).
Fact NO. 3: In the National Violence Against Women Survey, approximately 25 percent of women and 8 percent of men said they were raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, cohabiting partner, or date in their lifetimes. The survey estimates more than 300,000 intimate partner rapes occur each year against women 18 and older. ( According to the Full Report of the Prevalence, Incidence, and Consequences of Violence Against Women).
Fact NO. 4: 17.6 percent of women in the United States have survived a completed or attempted rape. Of these, 21.6 percent were younger than age 12 when they were first raped, and 32.4 percent were between the ages of 12 and 17. (According to the Full Report of the Prevalence, Incidence, and Consequences of Violence Against Women, Findings from the National Violence Against Women).
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