Domestic violence describes a situation in which one person in a relationship uses violence to control and dominate another person. Victims of domestic violence and their abusers cross all socioeconomic, demographic, and professional backgrounds. It is an epidemic that is accentuated especially among the female gender. While physical violence is often the most common form of abuse, it is important to recognize that other forms of abuse are just as harmful. Often, fear and isolation are particularly powerful in preventing women from leaving an abusive relationship. Domestic violence is a common crime in America, especially among women. Studies indicate that nearly one-third of American women (31%) report having experienced physical or intimate abuse by their husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives (Commonwealth Fund Survey, 1998). Domestic violence against women is a problem in the United States. this is usually overlooked and almost always unnoticed by today's society. Violence is defined by Riverside Webster's Dictionary (p.755) as: 1. Physical force used to harm or injure. 2. As an example of violent action. If this is the case, then why are so many women beaten by their loved ones every year and little or nothing is done to correct this violent and hostile situation? The battered woman is depicted by most people as a small, fragile and gaunt person. that once upon a time might have been nice. She has several young children and is often assumed to be poor and from a minority group. She is used to living in violence and above all her fear and passivity are underlined. Although some abused women fit this description, research shows that this is a false stereotype (Walker p.18). In fact, most abused women hold highly lucrative jobs as doctors or lawyers, business executives, and nurses. Battered women are found across all racial, religious, and ethical backgrounds, as well as across all age groups and education levels. Statistical information on domestic abuse commonly notes that women in intimate relationships are among those at greatest risk. Statistics also revealed that domestic abuse is the leading cause of harm among women of all races usually involving the use of weapons. According to one study, “about one in four attacks involved the use of a gun or knife.” Young, black, and Hispanic women were especially vulnerable, as were poor, low-educated single women living in urban centers..