Once domestic violence begins, the frequency and intesity of the abuse will increase if the cycle of violence is not broken. Domestic violence is a crime committed by the abuser - it is not the fault of the victim because he or she stays in the abusive relationship.

• A spouse is beaten every 8-10 seconds in the United States.
• Domestic violence is the leading cause of serious injury to American women.
• Less then 10% of domestic violence incidents are reported to law enforcement, making it one of the most under-reported crimes in our country.
• Spousal abuse is passed on from one generation to the next, so that children of batterers often grow up to be batterers themselves, unless some intervention occurs.
• Domestic violence occurs in all social, racial, and economic segments of the United States population.

      Below is a list of behaviors common in abusive relationships. If your partner has 3 or more of these behaviors, there is a strong potential for physical violence.

• JEALOUSY: Jealousy is not a sign of love, it's a sign of possessiveness and lack of trust.
• CONTROLLING BEHAVIOR: Abuser wants to control every aspect of partner's life, (i.e.)where she goes, what she does, who she talks to, what she wears.
• QUICK INVOLVEMENT: Abuser comes on strong, says things like "I've never loved anyone like this before", "You're the only one I can talk to.", to make the woman feel guilty if she wants to slow down or end the relationship.
• UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: Expects partner to meet all his needs, to be the perfect wife, mother, and lover.
• ISOLATION: Cuts partner off from all resources, family, and friends.
• BLAMES OTHERS FOR PROBLEMS: Often blames partner for his mistakes or says "everyone is out to get him".
• HYPERSENSITIVE: Easily insulted, "rants and raves" about injustices done to him, which are really just part of everyday life (i.e.) traffic tickets, being asked to help with chores, having to work overtime.
• VERBAL ABUSE: Saying things meant to be cruel, hurtful, and degrading. Puts down partner's accomplishments, says she is stupid and can't make it without him.
• DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE: Sudden mood changes, explosiveness, and moodiness.
• PAST BATTERING: Abuser may say he has hit prior partners, but they caused him to do it. An abuser will beat any woman he is with, despite her best efforts to appease him.
• THREATS OF VIOLENCE: Abuser says everybody talks like that-they do not.
• BREAKING OR STRIKING OBJECTS: Abuser breaks things partner is fond of in order to punish her or terrorize her into submission.