It causes diminished psychological and physical health, decreases the quality of life, and results in decreased productivity. Domestic violence affects the victim, families, co-workers, and community. Domestic violence is thought to be underreported. In the United States, as many as one in four women and one in nine men are victims of domestic violence. Intimate partner violence includes stalking, sexual and physical violence, and psychological aggression by a current or former partner. The 'cycle of abuse' is often continued from exposed children into their adult relationships and finally to the care of the elderly.ĭomestic and family violence includes a range of abuse, including economic, physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological, toward children, adults, and elders. Unfortunately, each form of family violence begets interrelated forms of violence. It is a national public health problem, and virtually all healthcare professionals will at some point evaluate or treat a patient who is a victim of some form of domestic or family violence.

Family and domestic health violence are estimated to affect 10 million people in the United States every year. Family and domestic violence including child abuse, intimate partner abuse, and elder abuse is a common problem in the United States.