Domestic violence is never an acceptable occurrence, and those who engage in it should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Those that cover it up should also be punished but to a lesser extent
Let’s face it, “The cover-up is worse than the crime” is merely a myth. It is known as being an accessory after the fact, which calls for more leinent punishment. The justice system subscribes to this theory. If Perpetrator A hits Victim B, A goes to jail. If Coach C knew about it for years and doesn’t do diddley squat, C is fired. However, if C reported it to his boss, Athletic Director D and D does nothing, then D takes the fall and C gets disciplined only lightly, like a multi-game suspension.
To be fair, we don’t know if B is telling the truth. If B is lying about being hit by A, B should be prosecuted for lying on the police report and A should file a lawsuit against B for defamation or slander. C And D should be unaffected by this in terms of their job status.
However, it appears to me that B is telling the truth. A should never coach again, and C and/or D should be canned for letting the case drag on for three years
But most importantly, after some time has passed, everyone needs to forgive A, C, and D (or B if B is lying) for their transgressions. We aren’t going to go anywhere in society if we do not forgive anyone for their offenses.