In the wake of the O.J. Simpson verdict, groups — such as activists against domestic violence — have rallied around the decision, calling it a backlash against their cause.

Since the verdict, calls to domestic violence hotlines have dropped, and some men accused of battery are asking for trials in hopes that juries will be sympathetic.

And worse yet, a man in California reportedly told his wife as he slashed her face with a knife, “I will kill you. O.J. got away with it and so will I.”

It is terrible that abused women aren’t asking for help and that some men consider the verdict a “green light” for domestic violence.

But O.J. Simpson was not tried for domestic abuse. He was tried for murder.

Jurors have said that evidence of Simpson’s assaults against his wife had no bearing on the case, since they were separate incidents from the alleged murder.

The Simpson decision should not be considered a reflection of society, nor a backlash for rallying groups. And, more importantly, it should not discourage women from reporting domestic violence.