Myths about the cause and incidence have created the belief that domestic violence is not a serious social problem. It is difficult to know the true extent of domestic violence due to three factors; the hidden nature of the problem, under-reporting and the rare identification of domestic violence. These factors have made it look like not a big problem statistically wise when in reality it is wrecking the lives of many. Between one in three and one in ten families may be affected by domestic violence (NSW Domestic Violence Committee, 1991). Another myth that is formulated is that wife battering is a predominantly lower class phenomenon and that it occurs more often in some ethnic groups. Research has indicated that there are no socio-economic barriers to domestic violence and that patterns of domestic violence do not vary between different subcultures because spousal abuse can show itself in any society that has an unequal power imbalance between men and women (NSW Domestic Violence Committee, 1991). .
The myths about the women in domestic violence are fixated around the thought that woman are ones to cause the violence. It is widely believed that the women's "nagging" or other unreasonable provocations push the man to the point of violence. These so called provocations range from not having dinner on the table at the right time to being able to go out with friends. It is difficult for many people to understand why women in abusive relationships do not leave. There are many economic, social, and emotional factors that make it difficult for the victim to leave their partner. To think that it is that easy to leave is a misconception. There are many factors that restrain a victim from leaving a violent relationship. Some of these factors include economic dependence, social isolation, fear of reprisals, a lack of knowledge to access help, and shame due to the numerous years of abuse.
