Hollywood incident shows power, danger of domestic violence

Stories of celebrity downfalls are a staple of entertainment and sporting news queues -- Alex Rodriguez's admission that he used a performance-enhancing substance in the days before major league baseball banned them being only the latest example.

But the Grammy-night arrest of up-and-coming R&B singer Chris Brown, after an alleged assault, reportedly on his singer girlfriend Rihanna, is especially sad.

It would have been different had he shared the reputation "enjoyed" by many rap stars, whose criminal record street cred translates into millions of downloads.

No, Brown was held up as an example of wholesome youth, whether for Wrigley chewing gum -- which immediately suspended his commercials -- or for the "Got Milk" campaign which was withholding judgment until more is known.

If the allegations are true, it's a sign of the power the temptation to commit domestic violence can have over those who commit it.

Both Brown, 19, and Rihanna, 20, were on their way to perform at the awards show, a big night in both of their young careers, the pressure of which may have manifested itself in the incident which resulted in the police calls.

Now, for Brown at least, the future is cloudy.

But all of us have pressures, pop stars or fast-food workers, young or old, that can result in domestic violence if left to fester.

Taking action is important for those tempted to commit such violence, but especially those who are its victims. Contact someone, like the Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault services -- (308) 345-5534 -- a counselor or clergy, before threats escalate into violence.