Domestic violence can include hitting, kicking, beating, raping, choking, threatening, controlling, or keeping you from getting what you need to live (such as: food, medicine or a home) by a spouse, boyfriend, partner or "ex." Domestic violence occurs in all socio-economic levels, regardless or employment or education, race or ethnic background, religion, marital status, physical ability, age or sexual orientation.

Researchers have found that there is a pattern of abuse that occurs in violent family relationships. This pattern has been named "The Cycle of Violence" and is comprised of three stages.

1. Stage one is the honeymoon stage. In a continued effort to exert power and control over the victim, the batterer is loving and attentive. The batterer may shower the victim with gifts and attention.

2. Stage two is characterized by tension building. The batterer may slam doors, break the victim's prized possessions, or make threats. The victim tries to appease the batterer, but the stress continues to build no matter what is done.

3. Stage three is the battering. The batterer may physically, emotionally, or sexually abuse the victim. The battering episode may last a few minutes, hours or days.

4. This brings us back to the honeymoon stage. The batterer becomes loving and apologizes. The batterer may give the victim gifts and promises that the abuse will never happen again. The honeymoon stage will not last long, and the cycle of violence usually begins again.