Neither victims nor perpetrators have any set criteria. However, perpetrators display at least two common

There are many myths surrounding the subject of domestic violence. One myth is that victims of domestic violence have a psychological disorder. People who are not abused think the victims must be sick or they would not stand the abuse. Most victims, however, are not mentally ill. Some victims suffer psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. These are, however, a result of the abuse not reasons for the abuse. A second myth is that batterers abuse their partners or spouses because of alcohol consumption or drug abuse. Although this is used as an excuse, substance abuse is not the cause of all abuse. Another myth concerning domestic violence is that law enforcement and courts are useless. Many women do not report abuse because they do not feel that their perpetrator will receive a sufficient punishment (online 4).

experiences at least one physical assault by a partner during adulthood. Forty-seven percent of men who beat their wives do so at least three times per year. Domestic violence has immediate and long-term detrimental effects on children. Each year, an estimated 3.3 million children are exposed to violence by family members against their mothers or female caregivers. In homes where partner abuse occurs, children are 1,500 times more likely to be abused. Forty to sixty percent of men who abuse women also abuse children (Time 33).

The statistics of domestic violence are shocking. It is almost safe to say that most Americans will be affected by domestic violence at some point in their life, either as a victim, a friend of a victim, the children of a victim, or the perpetrator. Like most crimes

traits. The majority of perpetrators (1) witnessed domestic violence in their family and (2) are male (Hotaling & Sugarman). There are many other staggering statistics pertaining to domestic violence. In the

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