Twenty-five years of decline in domestic violenceToday in America there seems to be an overwhelming number of violent crimes. Watching the evening news, we could take stock of the many attacks and deaths reported. Violence, however, is not a new phenomenon. From the murder of Abel by Cain, to the massacres of attacked villages, including the atrocities of the Holocaust and the attacks of September 11, 2001, violence is always present. This article focuses on a subset of violence, domestic violence. The societal question posed in this article is: has domestic violence increased over the past twenty-five years or is it simply better reported? Although this question may seem simple, the answer is quite confusing. Although there has been a statistical reduction in domestic violence, domestic violence continues to be an epidemic (Montaldo, Vagianos). Domestic violence is rape or sexual assault, theft, aggravated assault, or simple assault committed by an abuser who is the victim's current or abuser. former spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, parent, child, sibling, or other relative (Truman 14). In 1990, there were 1,500 shelters for battered women; 2300 less than animal shelters (“Fast”). That same year, assault and battery were not included as a prenatal risk factor deserving surveillance and prevention (Stoto 138). Between 40% and 60% of emergency calls to police were, and still are, domestic violence disputes in 1990 (“Rapid”). In the United States, three to four million women were beaten each year in their homes by their spouse, ex-spouse or male lover, according to the 1990 statistical analysis (“Fast”). In 1991, in the United States, a woman was beaten by her partner every fifteen seconds (“Fast”). In 1...... middle of paper ......ure of abusers, it is always dangerous for the victim to safely leave the relationship (Montaldo, Vagianos). Although support programs have been implemented since 1990, many of them, while helpful and having played a role in the decline of domestic violence, can have a negative impact on the person experiencing violence who fled. There may be fewer complaints of domestic violence, but that doesn't mean this country can stop its vigilance against domestic violence because it will continue. In the United States, 74% of people are now victims or victims of domestic violence (“Fast”). This is an epidemic that will require the entire nation to recognize and take a proactive approach to dealing with the situation. Whether it is a woman, a man, a child or an elderly person, we as humans should feel protected or resort to protection, even if it comes of our loved ones..