As many of you know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is a powerful coincidence that during this same timeframe, so much focus has been placed on the Ray Rice saga, and the shocking and disturbing video of the violence he callously inflicted on his then fiancé. Many people have expressed frustration that this has been in the news for too long. I believe that any ongoing conversation that raises awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence is important and necessary, and I want to use this month's issue to continue that conversation.  

Over the years I have worked with many clients whose lives have been irreparably affected by either witnessing domestic violence in childhood, surviving the nightmare of living in an adult abusive relationship, or losing loved ones to an abuser. In my blog, I have asked one of my most courageous clients, Janet Blackburn, to help us understand why we should not judge Janay Rice for her current decision to stay with Ray Rice. This client's sister and three children were brutally murdered by her sister's ex-husband, and she understands in a profound and deeply personal way the challenges that abused women face. I am grateful to Janet for her willingness to use her personal tragedy as an opportunity to educate and inspire others.