Domestic Abuse - Where's the Line

On  recent episode of the Real Housewives of Orange County, Tamra called the police on her soon-to-be ex-husband because he threw a dog leash at her. The kind that has the auto wind with a long leash so it is heavy plastic leash line. She wasn't hurt but to make matters worse he did this in front of his child. Another former cast member of the OC, Jeanne, actually told Tamra she was wrong for calling the police and was more concerned with Simon's reputation than Tamra's safety.

I was discussing this scene with some of the girls and was shocked that one of them actually took the side of Jeanne. She agreed that Tamra was wrong to call the police and exagerated the truth and that calling the police could hurt Tamra financially since it would be on Simon's record and he would have trouble finding a job. OK, I was in shock.

So where's the line? What does it take to make a violent act "appropriate" to call the police. Should she wait until she's in the hospital? Does a woman have to wait until until there is serious physical injury before taking action? If a woman feels threatened and afraid for her safety and for the safety of her children, she should call the police. That is why they are there. To protect us. Domestic abuse should not be taken lightly and this is the problem, for some reason the people take the side of the aggressor instead of the victim and think the victim is making it up or exaggerating the truth. 

This is no joke. A violent man needs to be able to control his temper and walk away if he can't handle a situation. A woman should not be subject to verbal and physical assault. There is NO justification for that kind of behavior. Women in particular should be siding with other women on this. Women should not feel that taking abuse is ok. It is not.

Jan