Spouse abuse has been an issue for centuries. But the spouse that is being abuse, more times than not, is too afraid to get help. Rather its financial dependence or just afraid of being alone.
Its not just women that are being abuse, men can get abuse by their wives as well. But most of them don't report it because it makes them feel less of a man or embraced in front of their friends. "Like dude, you're getting beat up by a girl?" Men just don't want to admit to something like that.
Women on the other hand it's a hundred times worst. The man has the power and strength over the woman, so she becomes afraid. Afraid to say anything, do anything, she loses her friends and become isolated from the outside world.
That's just what happen with this case. A former NFL player, A.J Martin was caught on video tape hitting and punching his girlfriend unconscious in a parking garage after a black and white Gala. When the arresting officer arrived Paula became conscious and told the officer that she was okay and it was her fault that A.J hit her. The officer took their word just because A.J Martin was a famous football player. Although when Benson saw the tape she and Fin went to talk to A.J and Paula to get the full story. At first they seemed like the perfect couple, in love, happy... But you could see the control A.J had over Paula. Every time she would say something she would look at him as if she was asking him for permission to comment on a subject. In fact A.J was so controlling of Paula when Benson asked Paula to take her to the bathroom, so she could ask Paula questions in private, A.J soon showed up. He wanted to make sure Paula wouldn't say anything without his permission.
Benson knew in her gut that this guy was dangerous and Paula needed to get away from him, the question was, how?
So Benson took them into the station for questioning. Barba joined them and told Benson in private, that the best thing he could do is have him pealed out. But A.J only wanted to do counseling and community service. That was not good enough for Benson and Barba, and told him, fine we'll see you in court for Reckless Endangerment.
With his wife by his side A.J Martin was charged and taken to trial. During the trial the jury got to see both sides of A.J. He played the devoted father and husband, who just made a huge mistake and promises to never do it again. But they also saw the video tape of A.J clearly punching his wife. And it wasn't until Paula took the stand that the jury got to see the control A.J had over his wife. Not only did Barba bring up valid points by asking her about her social life but every time she would answer she would look over to her husband. Like she was looking for his permission to answer. Barba caught on quick and kept telling her to not look over, just answer the question.
It was very painful for her to admit that she was in an abusive relationship. Paula kept saying she was happy and no one understands their family. She will never leave A.J no matter what anyone says.
This case was text book spousal abuse. A older, wealthier man taking control of a younger woman. First by promising her the world, buying her expensive things and taking her on trips. Then as years go by the abuse starts... Saying it was her fault that he would get upset and hit her. Or he works to hard and that's why he drinks.
Thankfully A.J Martin was convicted of Reckless Endangerment, and sentenced to three years in jail. But their are a lot of spouses out there who are still fighting for their freedom.
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