Who is affected?

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"Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender" (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010, About Domestic Violence).  Nobody is immune from this problem:  it affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels, occurs in both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships, and can happen to intimate partners who are married, living together, or dating (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010, About Domestic Violence). 

"Domestic violence not only affects those who are abused, but also has a substantial effect on family members, friends, co-workers, other witnesses, and the community at large" (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010, About Domestic Violence).  Children are especially susceptible to the affects of witnessing domestic violence in the home. "Frequent exposure to violence in the home not only predisposes children to numerous social and physical problems, but also teaches them that violence is a normal way of life - therefore, increasing their risk of becoming society's next generation of victims and abusers" (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010, About Domestic Violence).  Boys who witness domestic violence are more likely to abuse their partners as adults in future intimate relationships, and girls who witness domestic violence are more likely to become the victims of domestic violence in future intimate relationships as adults (Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments, 2010, You Might Be Surprised).