Over the past several weeks, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend again. From national news as well as local discussions I’ve heard statements: though well intended; used to justify actions between individuals that qualifies for an abuse situation.
In one case, an assault was qualified because the person was not hospitalized, nor was, in the writer’s opinion, the person responsible for the assault arrested or charged.
There have been recent discussions as to the legitimacy of a victim’s statement in connection with a sexual assault: by the defense counsel of the persons accused of the sexual assault in this case that was quickly picked up by the Media and spread out as though fact.
I just wanted to remind readers that there is no excuse to justify the verbal or physical assault of another. Bullies and name callers fall into the same category. They place people in fear and at times, damage the victim’s sense of confidence and security.
I sincerely hope that in Northfield, we will not qualify an assault as being ok because the victim didn’t need medical attention or the suspect has not been arrested or charged.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline, provides a 24 hour, 7 day a week contact point for those who have been victimized. Read their statement: they believe that every family should be able to live in a world free from violence.