Advocates for domestic violence victims gathered at a symposium on the issue in White Plains Friday amid multiple allegations of violent abuse by NFL players.

In recent weeks, what's happening off the field has taken center stage. New Rochelle native Ray Rice was suspended indefinitely from the league after video of him punching his then-fiancée in the face surfaced on TMZ. He has appealed the NFL's decision.

Since then, Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy, Arizona Cardinals running back Johnathan Dwyer, San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Ray McDonald and New York Jets practice player Quincy Enunwa have been all tied up in legal trouble involving domestic violence.

Carlla Horton, of Hope's Door, works with victims of domestic violence and says every abuser needs to be offered the opportunity to make a change.

"What we're saying is own up...Accept it, pay your penalty and move forward," said Horton.