Oklahoma Offers Services To Help Those Dealing With Domestic Abuse

The domestic violence incident that cost star running back Ray Rice his job is raising awareness of the issue, but like so many cases, it may have remained a secret if it wasn't captured on video.

One local survivor of domestic violence is getting the word out to other women about where they can go for help.

Oklahoma is ranked third in the nation of the number of women murdered by a male partner. It's a sad statistic that counselors are working to change.

The video released Monday of Ray Rice punching his now wife, Janay Palmer, is graphic, but experts hope it may help other victims escape the violence.

Palmer was knocked unconscious by Rice in February, then married him a month later and is now standing by her husband after the release of the tape; and Terri Long, a domestic abuse survivor understands why.

"You think it will change, but those people never change. Most people don't realize it, I guess they keep hoping,” Long said.

She said, in her experience, the violence only escalates. She said what happened to Palmer is a reminder of a dark time in her past.

"One time I got beat so bad because I took too long in the bathroom,” said Long. “That one put me in the hospital, I mean it was really bad."

When the incident happened seven months ago, Rice was suspended from the Ravens for two games, but after the full tape was released Monday, the football star lost his job.

Long said even with proof, many abusers aren't punished at all.

“He didn't get any trouble for it. He didn't do any time in jail. He beat me up severely. The kind where your eye is swollen shut, and you can see the fist prints on your face. Pictures of this at the hospital, and even a police report,” Long said.

She went to a shelter and never looked back. In Tulsa, Domestic Violence Intervention Services helps women by providing counseling and shelter.

"You don't have to live with violence in the background. It is extremely traumatic for children to be in those situations. There really is help available, both legally and counseling wise,” said Missy Iski with DVIS.

Long's daughter was just seven months old when she left her abuser. She said if she hadn't, she wouldn't be a grandmother today.

If you need help, or know someone who is dealing with domestic assault or rape, call the DVIS crisis line at 918-7-HELP ME.