...This week was very big for domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy pertaining to sweeping changes in punishments outlined by the NFL and I'm proud to say I was a small part of it. I not only became involved because of the advocacy work that I do as a sexual assault survivor and the support I give towards the end violence against women campaigns but as an avid fan of professional football and a long time Philadelphia Eagles fan a team that I have cheered on for 35 years. A few weeks ago a 2 game suspension was placed on Baltimore Ravens Ray Rice as a punishment for him beating and knocking unconscious his then fiance and now wife in an Atlantic City casino elevator. It was all caught on surveillance cameras and broadcast for the world to see but in this case the images were shocking enough for the public to act. Women's organizations reacted swiftly by drafting petitions and getting them out for everyone to sign and taking them directly to the NFL and Roger Goodell along with Twitter campaigns started voicing outrage and tweets to them by domestic violence and sexual assault victims/survivors joining forces among many other individuals men and women alike who were simply angry and disappointed.
Women now make up nearly 50% of football fans and viewers and this disregard of human decency was not going to be tolerated. It didn't matter that Ray Rice went on TV with his new wife (the victim) by his side to say he was sorry and was working towards being a better man and father. That is all well and good but is something between he and his wife. He committed a criminal act against another human being and the NFL punishment given to him was one of the lighter ones compared to some of their more strict drug and alcohol penalties. The NFL and Roger Goodell were saying essentially that if you abuse a woman in any way you will get a slap on the wrist and be welcomed back to your team and sport with open arms. This was simply not acceptable while woman (and men) are working so hard to end domestic violence and sexual assault and make the court and criminal process more compassionate towards victims and less tolerant of their abusers.
On Thursday August 28th NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted he was wrong and took a very important step towards cracking down on domestic violence and sexual assault and these changes were sweeping. It not only included players but anyone and everyone who worked for the NFL from executives to field crews to coaches, etc. The first offense would be a six game suspension and the second offense would be a lifetime ban from the sport. Even more important that first offense could be more severe because the past actions of the abuser and other mitigating factors would be taken into account. This meant that coaches would now need to be more selective when drafting or trading players and as it should have been along those who work hard and behave themselves should get precedence over those who have misbehaved and continue to get by on their talent alone.
This week was a perfect example of what it is to be an American and the power of the people. An organization that I have supported for several years now UltraViolet wrote "nearly 50,000 people signed the petition to the NFL, more than 2,000 called its offices, and thousands more used social media to spread the word". The NFL is one of the most popular and highest rated televised sports in the country and they couldn't risk alienating their female fans but the men that support them too. When I was unhappy with the original decision by the NFL and Roger Goodell I tweeted out my anger and dissatisfaction as a woman, a sexual assault survivor and a football fan and when the news broke this week of his apology and penalty changes I tweeted my satisfaction.
I think we should remember it's important to speak up when we believe in something passionately because we can be heard and change is possible!
If you are interested in reading what I've seen so far as the most comprehensive article on the subject go to http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/08/28/nfl-toughens-its-stance-on-domestic-violence/14746187/
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