What planet is Bell on?

I'm not sure what planet Delegate Rob Bell lives on, but apparently it's one in which the inevitabilities of life include death, taxes, and the fact that "boyfriends will always beat up girlfriends." [July 15 cover package: "Tough: Virginia's new DUI laws"]

This unfortunate comment indicates that Bell views domestic violence as a normative behavior for men, which is an inaccurate and unacceptable statement, particularly from a public servant. It is essential to educate men and women that relationship violence is not typical and that interventions exist to help prevent abuse.

Conflict de-escalation tools can assist couples in monitoring their anger and recognizing signs of potential violence. Perhaps Bell would benefit from speaking with some of the women at Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) or at SARA to gain further information.

In the meantime, I would discourage him from making glib analogies between relationship violence and alcohol consumption to promote his new law.

Elena Hontoria
Crozet

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