In every family afflicted by domestic violence, there is a distinct internal cycle of violence. There are periods of calm followed by a period of building tension. Eventually, the tension becomes too great and an explosion of violence occurs. After the explosive incident, the cycle begins again.

Domestic violence can include harassment, intimidation, threats, slapping, choking, name calling, punching, isolation, verbal put-downs, shoving, and stalking. In homes where domestic violence uccurs, children are abused at a rate 1500% higher than the national average.

Children in violent families learn from their experience; 30% become violent adults. They often suffer from disrupted development, poor health and poor academic performance.

Fifty-three percent of battering husbands abuse their children too. Abused mothers are more likely to abuse their children than non-abused mothers.