I think that the prosecution has to press charges in cases like this, without waiting for the victim to press charges, that's how men (women in some cases!) know that they can control the victim. If they knew that it's not only up to ther partner to start the process, but they could be charged anyway, they would be a bit more careful. I think money should be invested in some social services that would deal with this.

I always think of "Angel Eyes" when it comes to domestic violence and I think that is a good movie, where one that has been through scenes of domestic violence, can feel the pain under everyone's mask. I have not spoken or visited my dad for more than 2.5 years to make him understand that there is a wrong way and there is a right way and I am not willing to accept the wrong way. Luckily, he understood. Late, but not too late. There is a long vicious cicle one family goes through when domestic violence is present - it affects your children, your grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren and so on. It is a long history of violence and submission that has to break at one point. Children must not be exposed to this, otherwise little girls will grow to be just like their moms, to accept it. Really, to ACCEPT it as normal. My father's father was violent, his grandfather was violent. Maybe it was ok for ages of women, it shouldn't be. Now, women getting more power and more independence continue this pattern of violence against their husbands and partners. This is a big problem everywhere, laws are not perfect, but say it, Robinh, wasn't it worth it? Wasn't it worth it to go through some problems to get OUT? Everyone deserves to live his/her own life without violence, fear, bruises, and humiliation.