Domestic violence affects a large number of relationships in the United States each year. As times changed, abuse became less accepted as a normal occurrence and society began to work together to raise awareness about violence in intimate partner relationships. “Family violence problems are potentially the most destructive in our society” (Kurland 23). Domestic violence is a problem that begins in the home and spreads to affect the world around it. Violence is present in relationships across all demographics, whether it be race, sexual orientation, or social class. No one is completely safe from the experience of abuse, but if society is taught to recognize the signs, it can save a life or even prevent abuse from occurring. The abuse may not start outwardly as a physical action against the victim. “About two-thirds of Americans say it is difficult to determine whether someone has been a victim of domestic abuse” (Break The Cycle). The abuser typically begins by attacking the victim mentally and emotionally. The first signs that you may be in an abusive relationship are if the suspected abuser shows signs of possessiveness, extreme jealousy, or insecurity about the relationship. More expressive signs of violent behavior would be an explosive temper, unpredictable mood swings or constant humiliation of one's partner (Break The Cycle). By expressing these characteristics, the abuser will begin to isolate the victim from his or her family and friends. Once he or she has managed to create an attachment between the victim and himself, physical violence may begin to occur. After an attack, the attacker often over-apologizes to the victim in an attempt to regain their trust. Victims are often embarrassed......middle of paper......-violence-men/>Krehbiel, James. “Abuse through the eyes of the abuser.” Family resource. August 16, 2011. October 1, 2013.Kurland, Morton L. Addressing Family Violence. New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group Inc., 1986. Love is Respect. January 31, 2013. Break the cycle. September 16, 2013.Schwartz, Melissa. “When Proximity Breeds Cruelty: Helping Victims of Intimate Partner Violence.” American nurse. June 14, 2007. Stop relationship abuse. 2013. Relationship Abuse Awareness. September 16, 2013.Wilson, Marco. “Domestic violence in the LGBT community”. American progress. June 14, 2011. September 16 2013.