The issue that I chose to research and write about is domestic violence. I chose this particular issue because my family has been tragically affected by domestic violence. In 1983, my mother was stabbed to death by her long-time live-in boyfriend. At the time I was eleven years old, and I do not recall all the facts that occurred. I am not even aware if this individual was ever prosecuted, or served any jail time. I also chose to write about this topic because I was interested in learning more about why women stay in abusive relationships. After I complete my degree, I would like to gain employment with an agency that helps victims of domestic violence remove themselves from the dangerous situation.
             According to a nationwide survey conducted by the University of Rhode Island, 35 out of 100 cohabiting couples experienced a physical assault in the previous 12 months. This particular survey was conducted to show that a woman living with a boyfriend is twice likely to become the victim of domestic violence as a married woman. Another article that I located on the Internet stated that 7 percent of American Women (3.9 million) who were married or living with someone as a couple was physically abused. I was not able to locate a survey that showed the percentages of violence that occurs in married households only. I find these numbers to be astonishing! It's not about being black, white, hispanic, rich or poor. Domestic violence can happen to anyone.
             Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women ages 15-45, more than rapes, muggings, and automobile accidents combined. About 97% percent of domestic violence victims are women (British Medical Journal 2003). Usually the victims are too scared to ask for help. They feel that they are not in a violent relationship because it has only happened a couple of times. In my opinion, violence is violence, regardless of how infrequently it occurs.
             As I was sitting in my doctor's office waitin...