Oprah and domestic violence

As a famous person unfortunately comes the responsibility of power and knowledge and some people will look up to them for guidance and advice whether the celebrity wants it or not. I have never met Oprah but I believe her to be a giving and generous woman in the causes she believes in by sharing her wealth. She has also worked very hard to earn the money she has, she didn’t inherit the money as she came from a poor family. She was also the victim of sexual abuse by a family member as a child.

There is just one statement she makes quite often with guests on her show whether celebrities or everyday citizens who are going through domestic violence or were in a domestic violence relationship. The statement is “ when he hits you the first time, why didn’t you leave then”.

I believe she continues to make this statement over the years many times only to hear the mere satisfactory clapping audience for a few seconds. This is a dangerous statement to keep making and obviously something she knows nothing about. Many victims of domestic violence are also victims of some abuse as a child. So you would think she would be more careful in what she says. If she did some research on this she would know and if she has done the research then shame on her for wanting only the applause of an audience for what she believes is making a profound statement.

If it was as easy as Oprah wants us all to think by leaving when he hits you the first time then she would achieve something that nobody else has achieved - the end of domestic violence. Oprah please be part of the solution and not the problem and don’t make comments about something that obviously you know nothing about. Women, and men stay in abusive relationships for many complicated reasons some because they can’t leave safely. All I know is that as a victim of domestic violence every time you make that statement you make me feel all over again the feelings that its all my fault and basically left feeling terrible. I see the looks on the women guests and I can see the guilt in their eyes too and we shouldn’t be made to feel guilty about what happened to us or for some us still happening going through.