Rihanna backlash should focus on Chris Brown

Editor's note: Lyndal Khaw is an assistant professor of family and child studies at Montclair State University.

(CNN) -- On the eve of the Grammys in 2009, when news surfaced that singer Chris Brown assaulted his girlfriend, Rihanna, the cruel reality of violence against women came to the forefront. Police reports, narrative accounts and photographs told a chilling tale of what happened that night.

In the ensuing months, Rihanna's responses to the violence she received faced public scrutiny. Everyone hoped that she would do what most of us believed was the right thing to do: Leave the relationship. When she did eventually leave, there was a collective admiration for her ability to move on, which sent a clear message that violence against women is wrong. She was lauded as a role model to women and young girls, and became a celebrity symbol of strength and survivorship.

Fast-forward to today.

Rihanna is collaborating with Brown again.

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I think this is a terrific Op/Ed. I actually didn't speak to one of my best friends for most of this week because she told me, "Rihanna deserves whatever she gets know." I was beyond pissed at her. This is a pretty liberal, educated woman witrh incredible compassion for all living things. But yet, it was Rihanna's fault for being a textbook abusee. It wasn't Brown's fault for literally almost killing her and strangling her AND BITING HER FACE SEVERAL TIMES. Nope, it's her fault somehow.

I would like to note that TMZ and Celebitchy both had stories several months ago that relatives (aunts and cousins) of Rihanna back in Barbados were urging her to get back with Brown again.

In between that and Brown's LAUDING and showcasing at the Grammy's, no wonder Rihanna is exhibiting battered woman's syndrome.


http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/24/opinion/khaw-rihanna-abuse/index.html?hpt=hp_bn9