MN Battered Women Org. Reacts To Ray Rice Firing
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - An NFL star is suspended indefinitely after new video shows him knocking out his fiancé with a punch to the face. The video, obtained by TMZ Sports, shows Ray Rice and his fiancé in an Atlantic City casino.
Before its release: The league suspended Rice for two games.
Now: He's out indefinitely, and he won't be going back to the Baltimore Ravens if he's reinstated.
"People hear about domestic violence cases, and they might even hear about the details of them, but there's a really different reaction to actually seeing video footage," Executive Director of Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women Liz Richards explains.
Richards said most domestic violence cases happen behind closed doors, in private. The video shows as Rice's now-wife lunged at him, followed by Rice knocking her out. He then drags her body out of the elevator.
"We know that there's a very visceral reaction that people have, to actually see, and it's really hard to minimize that violence and how horrendous it really is," Richards said.
Rice's wife stood by him, even apologizing during a press conference.
"I deeply regret the role I played in the incident," Janay Palmer Rice said.
Richards said each victim reacts differently.
"Victims aren't necessarily looking to end relationships. They're looking for ways for violence to stop. There are all kinds of reasons to stay in a relationship, and staying in a relationship doesn't mean the person is okay with the violence," Richards said.
The NFL had been criticized for being too lenient with the original two game suspension for Rice.
The league has since changed its policy with a 6-game suspension for a first offense and an indefinite NFL suspension after a second. Richards applauds the policy, and hopes other leagues and work places will follow suit.
"It would be wonderful if every workplace started to critically think, How do we set up policies for both perpetrators of violence and those that are suffering victimization?" Richards said.
Minnesota's domestic abuse crisis line is available 24/7. That number is 1-866-223-1111.