Ray Rice case sparks concern about domestic violence issues and misconceptions

President Obama signed a proclamation on Tuesday marking 20 years since the signing of the "Violence Against Women" act.

That act provides money toward investigating violent crimes against women and offered services to help them.

Coincidentally, the signing comes one day after the video of Ray Rice punching his wife was released.

The video is so shocking, and it has many people talking about women who are victims of abuse and their choices to stay with, and even marry, the men who hit them.

The video is raising awareness about how big an issue domestic violence is and the many misconceptions there are about it.

Currently trending on Twitter are #WhyIStayed and #WhyILeft as well as stories that show the reality and complexity of domestic violence.

In response to the NFL decision, one advocacy group responded, "Celebrities, athletes and working people live with the same set of rules. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are witness to a significant step along the way."

It is thought that one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

They face a cycle of abuse that is not easy to escape.

"One of the biggest problems is that we look to blame the victim," says Luis Matos, director of education for the Center Against Domestic Violence in Brooklyn.

It's not just the video showing Ray Rice punching his wife that is generating debate. It's also her reaction.

In a press conference earlier this year Janay Palmer took partial responsibility.

"I do deeply regret the role I played in the incident that night, but I can say that I am happy that we continue to work through it together, and we are continuing to strengthen our relationship and our marriage," she said.

In a statement on Tuesday on Instagram, she criticizes the release of the video and defends her husband, saying in part, "TO MAKE US RELIVE A MOMENT IN OUR LIVES THAT WE REGRET EVERYDAY IS A HORRIBLE THING. Just know we will continue to grow & show the world what real love is!"

Her response is not surprising, according to Matos who has worked with victims and abusers for 30 years.

"It all ties into the fact they don't want to end the relationship, they just want that particular behavior to stop," he says.

But many are still asking why these women stay.

"Women may feel trapped in the relationship because of finances, prestige, power," Matos says. "Beliefs are hard to shatter. Socialization, learned behavior--they've learned to accept it as the norm."

The center says the solution is prevention.

Through a program, they're working with 50,000 students in New York City to try and teach them early on about what it means to be in a healthy relationship.

The Center Against Domestic Violence in Brooklyn has a 24-hour hotline (1-718-439-1000) and a website for help and information.

Other local organizations serving domestic violence victims in New York City include Safe Horizon(1-800-621-4673), Sanctuary for Families (1-212-349-6009) and Henry Street Settlement.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline also has a 24/7 confidential hotline (1-800-799-7233) and website.