NFL Appears to Be Taking Domestic Violence Seriously
If you have read or seen the news lately, you have probably observed plenty of discussion surrounding the NFL and the incidence of domestic violence among its players. Specifically, the league has received a lot of negative attention regarding how it disciplines athletes following domestic violence arrests and convictions. Greg Hardy, Jonathan Dwyer, and Ray Rice are among the players who have faced criminal charges and league discipline in recent months.
A National Problem
Domestic violence is not limited to high-profile, elite athletes. Unfortunately, it is a problem that impacts people from all races, religions, economic backgrounds, and walks of life. It is also a growing problem, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which reports that one out of three women and one in four men have suffered domestic violence at the hands of a partner. Approximately 10 million people in the U.S. are victims of domestic abuse every single year.
The NFL’s Response
The recent rash of player-related domestic violence incidents has put tremendous heat on the NFL, culminating in its handling of the Ray Rice case. Rice, a former running back for the Baltimore Ravens, was originally suspended for just two games following a domestic abuse incident involving his then-fiancée, now wife. Once video of the attack, which showed Rice punching his wife in an elevator and knocking her unconscious, surfaced on the Internet, however, the league banned Rice from playing indefinitely. He was subsequently released by the Ravens.
Perhaps in response to the public’s skepticism and anger regarding the league’s prompt reversal after the video went viral, the NFL has now assembled a team of female advisors to study domestic violence in players and create a new league-wide policy for handling these situations. The women advisors include the former head of the New York County District Attorney’s Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit and the former executive director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
According to a statement released by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the advisory panel will focus its efforts on five objectives:
- Overseeing the development and implementation of the league’s workplace policy regarding domestic violence and sexual assault
- Building on existing training materials and education programs for players and other personnel
- Disseminating and executing these training programs
- Identifying and managing domestic violence and sexual assault resources to NFL players, employees, and their families
- Identifying and managing local information and resources, including advocacy groups and support organizations, to NFL players, employees, and their families
Georgia Family Law Lawyer
Domestic violence and sexual assault are serious issues that demand compassionate counsel and sound guidance. If you have questions about these important legal issues, or you need legal help in this area, call the law office of Phyllis R. Williams, P.C. today at (404) 378-1665 to schedule a consultation.
This information has been prepared by Phyllis R. Williams, P.C. for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Ms. Williams is an experience trial lawyer with 17 years of experience in trying cases before judges and juries throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area. She has litigated cases from auto accidents, to premises liability, to products liability.In 2010, Ms. Williams was appointed as a magistrate judge which gives her a unique insight and perspective as an attorney and advocate.
When Ms. Williams is not representing her clients, she enjoys working with teenagers and young adults through the Georgia High School Mock Trial program, playing racquetball, traveling to different countries, and pretending to be a gourmet chef!
Clients, and their loved ones, can be assured that Ms. Williams has knowledge, experience and insight to get the best possible outcome in their cases.The firm uses the most up-to-date technology to handle the cases efficiently and cost-effectively.More importantly, the firm is dedicated to representing personal injury clients and gives each and every client the personal attention that their case requires.
- Why Does Divorce Cost So Much? - August 17, 2015
- NFL Appears to Be Taking Domestic Violence Seriously - November 16, 2014