Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior where an individual psychologically or physically dominates their spouse, partner, or family member. There are several different types of domestic violence. An abuse situation can involve one or more of these. Domestic violence is an equal opportunity abuser in that it does not discriminate based on sex, age, race, religion, social, or financial status. It can happen to both women and men, young and old, poor and rich.

Domestic violence is one of the least reported crimes. Victims live in silence, hiding behind sunglasses and long sleeves to cover the bruises, and behind a smile to cover the pain, fear, and shame.

A large part of the cycle of domestic abuse is the erosion of the victim's self esteem and self worth. Without these, a victim is less likely to have the courage to leave. They believe they can't, and that they are incapable of leaving or having a life outside away from abuser. They also live in fear of what will happen if they do leave. It is this fear that cripples the victim. Even after leaving the abuser, the bruises and scars may fade, but the mental and emotional damage will remain for years to come. Below are a few facts about domestic violence:

* Every 7 seconds a woman is beaten is the United States

* 1 out of 4 woman are abused by an intimate partner

* 2 - 4 million woman per year are victims of domestic violence

* Every year approximately 4,000 woman are killed as a result of domestic violence

* 30,000 ER visits and 40,000 physician visits per year are attributed to Domestic Violence

* More than half of young men convicted of murder are incarcerated for killing their mother’s abuser