The release of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice and his subsequent indefinite suspension from the NFL for domestic abuse has set off a firestorm of reactions on social media.

His wife, Janay Rice, is strongly defending her husband on Instagram.  Some observers are questioning why she stayed with Rice and still married him after the violent attack.

Writer Beverly Gooden, herself a domestic abuse survivor, remembers the guilt and shame she felt for staying in an abusive relationship. She decided to take to Twitter to sound off on why she stayed and why she eventually left her abusive relationship. Gooden hopes to raise awareness about the complex issues surrounding domestic abuse.

Domestic violence survivors are sounding off with two hashtag campaigns, #WhyIStayed and #WhyILeft.

The dual hashtag campaigns have quickly gone viral and have become trending topics on Twitter.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com