Domestic violence occurs when an intimate partner, such as a spouse or someone you live with; abuses you physically, sexually or psychologically. Abusers come from all different types of backgrounds. Domestic violence affects all races, ethnicities and genders. It occurs in couple relationships, marriages, heterosexual relationships and homosexual relationships. However, it is more common among women: 1 in 50 women aged 16 to 24 are victims of intimate violence, and 10 times as many women are seriously hurt by current or former lovers. (Gelles and Cornell 1990; Campbell 1995/ Marriage, families and intimate relationships). Domestic violence can be defined as physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or financial abuse between current or former partners. The abuse usually starts slowly and then gets worse. It can start with a display of violence against something and then degenerate into threats and insults. Soon the violence worsens and the victim suffers further physical violence, such as slaps, pushes, punches and kicks. Below are some facts reported on the Illinois State Police domestic violence website. • Every 15 seconds a woman is beaten in the United States. • Domestic violence causes more injuries requiring medical attention than rapes, accidents and robberies combined. • Two out of five women killed are killed by their husbands. • At least 95% of all cases of intimate partner abuse involve a man hitting a woman. • It occurs at all levels of income and education. • Domestic violence usually becomes more frequent and severe over time. An apology from the attacker does not mean that the violence will not happen again. • Children who grow up in violent homes come to believe that violence is normal. Even them... half with the card... with a lot of money or having nowhere to go is a problem. The attacker controls the money, leaving the victim with no choice. Most victims have nowhere to go and are stuck in their living situation with the abuser. Most abuse goes unreported due to lack of trust in law enforcement or due to intimidation caused by their partners. Illinois offers victim services such as the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV), the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline, and the Illinois Department of Human Services also provides services. The key to ending the cycle of abuse is through education. Counselors and medical professionals need to receive training on how to recognize signs of abuse and how to approach a victim who they may suspect of being abused. Victims should receive information about their rights and the resources available to assist them in their area.