Domestice violence is America's number one unreported crime.

MYTH: Battering is a private family matter.
FACT: Battering is a CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

MYTH: Battering affects only a small percentage of women.
FACT: It is estimated that one in seven women are battered. In fact, in this country, every 15 seconds, a woman is the victim of domestic violence.

MYTH: Battered women are uneducated and have few job skills.
FACT: Battered women can befound among all socio-economic levels and in all occupations.

MYTH: A woman who is occasionally slapped is in no danger of real harm.
FACT: A pattern of battering that goes unchecked usually becomes more frequent and more severe.

MYTH: The victims bring on battering by provoking their partners.
FACT: The woamn may do things to irritate the abuser, but this is NEVER an excuse for violent behavior.

MYTH: Once a battered woman, always a battered woman.
FACT: Women who receive counseling/supportive services are less likely to accept abuse from their current partner or to choose another abusive one.

MYTH: Children need both parents, even if one is violent.
FACT: Each year a minimum of 3.3 million children witness domestic violence, which causes severe emotional trauma and often accidental injury.