Almost everyone has heard the names Jameis Winston, and Greg Hardy. Winston was accused of sexual assault while playing for Florida State University. Greg Hardy is infamous for domestic violence when he allegedly attacked his former girlfriend. Hardy played for the Dallas Cowboys last season. Neither of these two men have been adequately punished by the NFL. Sadly, these two men are but a ‘tip of the iceberg.’
More than 150 colleges and universities are being investigated for reported and un-reported cases of sexual assault in violation of Title IX. The statute demands certain actions be taken immediately, and these are just two of the requirements.
“Once a school knows or reasonably should know of possible sexual violence, it must take immediate and appropriate action to investigate or otherwise determine what occurred.
“If sexual violence has occurred, a school must take prompt and effective steps to end the sexual violence, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects, whether or not the sexual violence is the subject of a criminal investigation.”
A report on ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” revealed a situation at Baylor University. Several young women have reported sexual assault by members of the football team. Sadly, some of the charges go no further than the person designated to investigate Title IX complaints. The young women are fearful of repercussions by the school. At present, they are not one of the schools under investigation.
Here are some of the statistics:
1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience violence from their partners in their lifetimes.
1 in 3 teens experience sexual or physical abuse or threats from a boyfriend or girlfriend in one year.
1 in 5 women are survivors of rape.
1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lives.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men were sexually abused before the age of 18.
Cases of domestic violence are even more un-reported. Whether the offense is in the form of psychological abuse or physical attacks, it is equally damaging. Victims rarely report the crime either for fear of increased attacks, or because they believe that their attackers remorse is valid.
The facts are abysmal: Three women are murdered every day in the United States by a current or former partner. 38,028,000 women have suffered physical violence from someone with whom they had an intimate relationship. 4,774,000 are victims of violent acts every year. One in four women, and one in seven men will be victims of domestic violence in their lifetimes.
There are many more frightening statistics which can be read on the attached link.
When a terrorist attack occurs, the media replays every moment of the cowardly actions ad infinitum. At least 90 women are killed each month, and we hear nothing about it. This is an epidemic which can be cured, and it must. Children who live in homes where domestic violence occurs are likely to become victims or abusers themselves. Children in these homes have difficulty in school and report more cases of illness. The psychological damage is irreparable without professional help.
The NFL failed to take action for decades until the incident with Ray Rice was exposed in 2014. The Commissioner, Roger Goodell, pledged to take severe disciplinary action in cases of domestic violence; Greg Hardy and Jameis Winston are proof that he does not take it seriously. Players receive greater punishment for possession of marijuana than for beating their wives or girlfriends, or raping a woman.
The truth about sexual assault and domestic violence must be kept in the public eye. They must be exposed for what they are; a greater danger than terrorism or a pandemic to the average woman.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Read ‘James Turnage’ on the free Amazon Kindle App
The Truth With No Restrictions 