With all the other things going on nationally, I had not paid attention to the Oscar Pistorius trial.
Honestly, I thought Pistorius was a political figure. And then I stayed home last weekend and caught up with the news.
What’s not fascinating about a tragic Valentine’s Day ending (in 2013) to a romance between a South African super-model and a super-athlete?
They were both beautiful, rich, and talented. She was a law graduate. He is a double-amputee sprint runner. Soon after they met, the couple appeared to have the world by the tail
Pistorius and Steenkamp -in the beginning
Pistorius admits to shooting and killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in the early morning hours on Valentine’s Day, believing her to be an intruder. Given that the place he lives in South Africa is rife with break-ins, and given Pistorius documented history of anxiety about being victimized, I would have believed his alibi.
But according to reports, the Pistorius/Steenkamp union had some classic markers of an abusive relationship.
Like many relationships that turn violent, theirs began with quick involvement.
Pistorius used tactics to control Steenkamp, and made frequent (and very public) negative comments about her. Her gum chewing. Her taste in music. Her efforts to learn accents for an acting role.
Oscar Pistorius demonstrated his jealousy frequently to Reeva Steenkamp, accusing her of flirting with other men, of not introducing him quickly enough to other men at events they attended. Witnesses say he called her incessantly from the beginning of their relationship.
Quick involvement, control tactics, and elements of jealousy are common in abusive relationships. The behaviors typically increase over time and lead to physical aggression.
Do you know someone who is a victim of domestic violence? It’s important to connect her to resources. 1-800-799-SAFE is a great start.