Women don't report domestic violence or stick by their stories when they do experience abuse. The cops are usually male that respond to the situation. The women are so violated and abused but dependent on the person who did the abuse. It is even worse when children are involved.
I was in a situation of abuse. It surprised me to realize I was in an abusive relationship and my options on getting out. Calling the police was a joke !!! They don't listen and look at the woman as it is her fault. Unfornately, the stereotype of a domestic violence shelter is often low class seriously abused women with little self esteem left.
Domestic violence doesn't need the government involved in correcting it. It needs the services already involved in dealing with the situations to run and react better. It shouldn't have to require a woman to leave her home or her job. There should be a whole department set up just to respond to domestic situations with professionally trained personnel. The police have to respond to soo many variety of calls that when it comes to a domestic violence calls they can get numb.
I also encourage anyone who knows anyone in a possible abusive relationship, to let that person know you will be there for them if they decide to leave. Often, you must leave ALL your friends to get out. That may be the hardest part of all. To have to leave everything behind to live.