This is reinforced by family, co-workers, law enforcement officers, and the court when the victim is not believed supported in her decision to leave, or her call for help is ignored. The batterer doesn't think his actions are wrong. Alcohol and drugs are often involved, but do not remove responsibility from the batterer and treatment should be sought for substance abuse in addition to batterer's treatment. Failure to complete the program should result in sanctions being taken by the court. Marriage counseling is not recommended as long as violence and control the relationship.
Children are also the victims of domestic violence.
Nearly half of the children who witness violence in the home are also being physically abused. Children who grow up in violence homes are more likely to become involved in violent relationships. Young men are more likely to get in trouble with the law as both juveniles and adults, often for killing their mother's batterer. Pregnant women are also at risk for being battered, and because of that, have a higher number of miscarriages, premature delivery and children with birth defects.