Domestic Violence effects U of M Students, too

Domestic violence - the topic so crucial, we hope we never have to encounter, is actually common in Memphis, even on the University of Memphis campus.

On Aug. 19, University of Memphis senior, Rolanda Pearson found herself at the wrong end of a domestic dispute with her ex-boyfriend, Patrick Sims Jr.

Police responded to a domestic disturbance on the University of Memphis Park Avenue campus where Pearson lives and Sims had been allowed to stay.

“He is the father of my two daughters and has always been abusive.” Pearson said. “This was the sixth and last time he has put his hands on me. I refuse to allow my daughters to grow up in a negative environment.”

Police reported that Pearson got into an argument with Sims when he became violent, choking her until she almost blacked out.

Bruising and other minor injuries were observed by the officers and Sims was taken to jail on aggravated assault charges.

“I was afraid for my life.” Pearson said. “His 6-year-old son witnessed it all and I feel terrible for that. I tried to get away to find help but I couldn’t. I was hit, kicked, pushed, and choked. I thank God someone called my phone, heard what was going on, and I was able to have them call the police.”

Domestic Violence is an aggressive behavior of intimidation within the home that typically involves physical abuse, sexual assault, psychological violence, and emotional abuse through a systematic pattern of power and control by one intimate partner against the next.

Many spouses do not wish to believe that they are in abusive relationships. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, signs that one might be in involved an abusive relationship include, but are it limited to:

· Dictating how the victim dresses, wears their hair, etc.

· Accusing the victim of cheating

· Refusing to use protection when having sex or sabotaging birth control

· Threatening to hurt or kill the victim, victim’s friends, loved ones, or pets

· Controlling who the victim sees, where they go, or what they do

· Stalking the victim or monitoring their victim’s every move (in person or also via the internet and/or other devices such as GPS tracking or the victim’s phone)

It is important to note that domestic violence does not always manifest as physical abuse. Emotional and psychological abuse can often be just as extreme as physical violence.

There is never a justified reason to be mistreated by your partner. Staying strong and saying “NO” is key.

“Even though he has begged for me to take him back so he can be with his family, I know I can’t keep going through this abuse.” Pearson said. University of Memphis professor DR. Gayle Beck of the Department of Psychology runs a student-help program on campus called

“We would like to help you move past these negative emotional responses to domestic violence and abuse.” DR. Beck said.

If you suspect that you may be involved in a spiralling relationship, there is anonymous, confidential help available 24/7 by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).