All eyes on domestic violence

Sixteen days from now, the United States will begin a monthlong observance designed to raise awareness of the horrors of domestic violence.

This year, however, Domestic Violence Awareness Month has arrived early as aftershocks from the brutal video of Baltimore Ravens player Ray Rice punching his fiancee in the face has gone viral on the Internet and has inspired a national conversation on domestic violence.

It is disheartening that it took a professional sports star’s thuggish behavior to focus the collective consciousness on this longtime social disease. But at the same time, if it awakens the populace to some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding domestic violence and if it works to effect positive change, then Rice’s shameful conduct will reap some long-term good. Estimates show that 1 in 5 American women falls victim to battering, beating, torturing and misery, both mentally and physically.

Many stay in rotten relationships fearing they have nowhere else to turn. This week, domestic violence shelters in the Mahoning Valley have strengthened their visibility to make it clear those victims do have a place to turn. It is now up to the victims and their allies to channel today’s wider awareness into long-term constructive action.