Millions of women just like you are also dealing with violence at home. Although it is usually hidden, this kind of abuse is very common and affects people from many different walks of life - school teachers, celebrities, bankers, carpenters, bus drivers, etc.

Nothing you say or do causes your husband or boyfriend to act violently toward you, and it is impossible for you to prevent his attacks by being the perfect wife of girlfriend. Some men think that using violence is the best way to solve problems, and that it's okay to hit a woman. But no one has the right to physically harm you. That kind of behavior is against the law.

Domestic violence does not go away on its own. It tends to get worse and become more frequent with time, and is often harmful to your children as well.

You do not have to take the abuse - see what you can do to protect yourself.