Statement on the arrest of UT coach, Chris Beard
On Monday morning we woke up to the news that University of Texas Head Basketball Coach, Chris Beard, had been arrested for third-degree felony domestic violence charges against his long-time, live-in fiancé.
You can read more about Beard’s arrest and charges here. (via AP)
Charges of violence against public figures can be shocking and difficult to process. This is a man that we cheer on all winter long here in Texas, and a coach that our kids look up to - maybe even one that they dream of playing for. In fact, Beard isn’t the only high-profile coach in recent days to be arrested for domestic violence. In late November, Mickey Joseph, Nebraska’s interim head football coach for nine games earlier this season, was arrested for strangulation and third-degree domestic violence.
You can read more about Joseph’s arrest and charges here. (via AP)
It’s hard to believe someone in the spotlight could do such a bad thing, but it doesn’t change our approach. We have an obligation to survivors everywhere to #startbybelieving.
These arrests further drive home the point that we continuously make - domestic violence affects everyone. Anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, religion, or varying levels of fame in the case of Chris Beard, can abuse their intimate partner. Domestic violence isn’t rooted in mental health issues, substance addiction, or employment status – it is entirely about power and control. One person has power in a relationship and they use that power to control a victim.
There are a couple of things that stick out in this specific situation:
Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse – not a one-time fight.
- According to the arrest warrant, Beard strangled his victim, cutting off all airflow. In domestic violence work we call strangulation “the last warning shot” before a homicide. In fact, if you are strangled, you are 800 times more likely to die at the hands of your abuser. Strangulation is the ultimate sign of power and control in a relationship. One person is playing God – an abuser can make the decision whether a victim lives or dies based on whether the abuser continues to cut off air or decides to let go. Typically, an abuser does not start out with strangulation. It’s the culmination of days or months or years of emotional and other physical abuse – a pattern of abusive power and control.Why would his victim drop charges?
- Let’s start by saying victims don’t issue charges, the State does. While a victim can make requests to the State, it is ultimately the State’s decision to pursue charges or not.
Within a few hours of the arrest, Beard’s lawyer made a statement saying that “the complainant wants [Chris Beard] released immediately and all charges dismissed.” To some on social media this was surprising! To us, it was incredibly typical, and recanting can happen for several reasons.
Survivor’s recant all the time – they do so because they can’t afford to live independently, they fear future retaliation, or simply that no one will believe them. What we have to remember is this: the survivor’s fear of her abuser is often much stronger than her trust of the criminal justice process. Survivors will almost always err on the side of caution with regard to safety, hedging their bets.
The University of Texas reacted swiftly and announced on Monday that Beard has been suspended indefinitely without pay.
It is our goal that all survivors know that there are resources to keep you safe, and we believe you.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call our 24-hour hotline at (877) 701-7233. We are here to help.
Kathryn Jacob, LMSW
SafeHaven President and CEO