Summary
Domestic violence is a widespread societal problem with consequences reaching far beyond the family. It is conduct that has devastating effects for individual victims, their children, grandchildren, family members, friends and their communities. In addition to these immediate effects, there is growing evidence that violence within the family becomes a way of life, and is the breeding ground for other social problems, such as substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, and violent crimes of all types. Being able to understand the complexities of domestic violence situations is the first step toward assisting the victims.