Domestic abuse has been a prevalent issue raised within the NFL over the past weeks due to the many instances of violence that have occurred between pro football players and their wives and children. Unbeknownst to most, these instances occur each day. According to the FBI, a woman is beaten every fifteen seconds.

The recent allegations against various NFL players regarding abuse towards their friends and family have caused the spotlight to shine on a dismal truth: even prominent members of society who are respected by millions have the capability to victimize their wives and children without receiving any form of punishment.

Attempting to put this issue into perspective is tough for anyone like me, having never witnessed or been the victim of such violence. In terms of educating people with a life comparable to mine, coaches and players all across the NFL have barely scratched the surface of finding a way to teach society about the abuse that extends to every corner of society.

From the discovery of Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson’s beating of his four year old son, to the leakage of a video that showed Ray Rice, running back for the Baltimore Ravens, allegedly knocking his fianceé unconscious, more and more instances of domestic violence have continued to surface over the past weeks.

Think about the example that these players set for the millions of football fans all across the country. These stars have remained the epitome of excellence for both children and adults throughout their lives.

The NFL rightly deserves the backlash that has resulted from these crimes for its abuse policies.

With football continuing to be the most-watched sport in America, the league has the chance to use its power to make a difference in the community.

After weeks of endless talks, NFL executives have continued to handle this situation quite poorly. Aside from a few notes of apology and promises to address this situation “by the Super Bowl”, little has been done to educate the public on the widespread prevalence of abuse.

At the least, campaigns and advertisements to stop domestic violence using prominent NFL players in the spotlight could be aired during primetime. Any kind of effort made to reduce instances of abuse, especially by the men who are considered role models by thousands of members of society, would be a step taken in the right direction.

With the league earning almost ten billion dollars each year, money is not an obstacle that must be overcome. Campaigns have the potential to have make a difference in society with the large budget in the hands of NFL executives.

Domestic violence will remain a hot topic for months to come, but the NFL has a closing window of time to make its voice heard.

Players such as Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson do not deserve to be the role models of aspiring children. The controversies surrounding abuse make this the perfect time for the America to have a chance to help both women and children by putting an end to domestic violence.

By refusing to act further, the NFL gives up the chance to educate and help the millions of victims of abuse.

It is time for the world of football to make its voice heard throughout the nation.