On the December 5th episode of ”Saturday Night Live”, a parody featuring Tiger Wood’s domestic violence issues aired. The sketch made light of Tiger Woods’ scandalous week, satirizing reports that his wife, Elin Nordegren, attacked him prior to his early-morning car accident on November 27.  The musical guest for that show was none other than  Rihanna — a victim of domestic violence earlier this year from then-boyfriend Chris Brown. Domestic Violence is not a laughing matter, period. Furthermore, this sketch was made more inappropriate by having Rihanna as a guest.  

It is not acceptable for a man to hit a women or a women to hit a man. I can assure you had this scandal involved a male suspected of abusing a female,  Saturday Night Live would not have aired a lighthearted sketch like the one they did. However, since it’s female-on-male domestic violence, our current culture somehow deems this okay to poke fun.  

Violence in any relationship is not acceptable.  Its effects last a lifetime.  This sketch sends a message that sometimes violence in a relationship is “ok”.  Domestic violence service requests at the Retreat have hit record highs and have increased nearly 40% in the most recent 12-month period.  We are finding that during these trying economic times, household stress levels are swelling, and consequently incidents of emotional, physical and mental abuse have spiked.  The services of the Retreat help victims to find safety, independence, and empowerment.  Perhaps as importantly, through our targeted and confidential outreach and anonymous service offerings, we help people who are enduring such terrifying and soul-depleting abuses to identify their situations and to feel safe in talking about them and seeking immediate short- and long-term solutions.

 

Domestic Violence is a serious issue and will not be eliminated without everyone’s help.  During this holiday season, please remember to consider others that may be experiencing hardship, and how each one of us (no matter how small or large the contribution) can take steps toward making a difference.  For more information on Retreat’s community services or programs, please call our main office at 631.329.4398 or visit our website at www.theretreatinc.org 

 

Jeffrey Friedman
Executive Director 

Retreat

329-4398
www.theretreatinc.org

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