Child abuse groups hope parents learn from Adrian Peterson case

Groups that work to prevent child abuse say the public has an opportunity to learn from the allegations against Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.

"It is my hope that as this conversation continues more and more people will come to believe that there are better ways to teach than through corporal punishment, than through physical discipline," said Becky Dale, interim executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota.

• Related: Corporal punishment widespread but declining

Peterson was booked and released from a Texas jail this weekend after being indicted for child abuse. The allegations say Peterson used a tree branch, or switch, to punish his son. Peterson's attorney released a statement saying Peterson is a loving father who used his judgment as a parent to discipline his son.

Dale says she hopes Peterson's actions will force people to rethink how they were raised and how they raise their children — and that the Vikings would champion positive parenting and support groups that prevent child abuse.

The Vikings deactivated Peterson for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.