What is domestic violence?
Abuse is a pattern of coercive control that one person exercises over another. Battering is a behavior that physically harms, arouses fear, prevents a partner from doing what they wish or forces them to behave in ways they do not want.
Battering includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation.

How big is this problem?
1 out of 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. Between 3.3 and 10 million American children witness domestic violence ANNUALLY. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women: more so than muggings, stranger rapes, and car accidents combined.

Why doesn't the woman just leave?
Most women can't just leave. For fear of their own lives and the lives of the ones that they love. You have to understand that the abuser controls everything about the woman's life (where she goes, who she talks to, and what she does). The woman can only leave when the time is right. All the "bases" have to be covered. Most importantly, they have to have a very good support group around them.

What can I do to help?
If you know someone in a domestic violence situation, give them nothing but LOVE. These people aparrently aren't getting it at home. Along with the love, you can call a local safe home for them. Get all the information and share it with them when it is a safe time. Don't look down on them if they don't get out right away. It's really a lot tougher then you think. You can also volunteer at your local safe home. They are non-profit and need all the helping hands that they can get.