LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) — At 7-foot-1 and more than 300 pounds, Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t look like the type of person who would be easily intimidated.

NBA star Shaquille O'Neal praises Karen Earl for her efforts on behalf of domestic abuse victims.

NBA star Shaquille O’Neal praises Karen Earl for her efforts on behalf of domestic abuse victims.

But volunteering with local law enforcement, the NBA star has learned from his peers that domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous for police officers.

“[It's] a very disturbing thing,” said O’Neal, who himself has dealt mainly with children’s cases.

“I don’t really think a lot of women know what to do,” he said.

That’s where Karen Earl comes in.

As executive director of the Jenesse Center, the oldest domestic violence intervention program in south central Los Angeles, California, Earl is a “tireless and fearless” champion of women and children living in abusive situations, O’Neal says.

CNN.com