By Katie Giron

Hostile or aggressive behavior within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner is the definition of domestic violence. For some, that string of words may be unfamiliar but for others, it may be their entire reality. Studies have shown more than one in three women and more than one in four men are often targeted by domestic abusers by someone they have a relationship with like a spouse or a close relative or maybe even someone that is considered a friend. Domestic brutality most often happens by someone the victim has an intimate relationship with. Home violence statistics have shown numbers rise and fall over the years of domestic abuse but there is always a common theme. Domestic violence most commonly happens by someone you trust and are very involved in your life. Nearly 20 people per minute are physically mistreated by an intimate partner in the United States. And this is just in the United States. Violence like this happens all around the world constantly and there is not a lot you can do to prevent it other than recognizing the signs of the abuser. People often ignore the signs thinking that things will eventually get better but they end up being stuck in an unhealthy relationship.

Domestic violence has changed over the years and though it cannot be completely eradicated society has shifted its views on the subject. In the 1950s this type of abuse was said to be therapy and were common practices as a way for people to rekindle old flames in a marriage or a relationship. Some practitioners even went as far as prescribing this type of ‘therapy’, domestic violence is not okay and is still very common today so people should be aware of who you are openly inviting into your lives and be cautious if signs of abuse start showing up.