It is also important to recognize the physical and psychological signs of abuse and to be aware of community resources for counseling. In most heterosexual relationships the majority of victims are female and the majority of batterers are male. Battering may also occur in homosexual male and female relationships. Domestic violence crosses racial, religious and chronological lines. The occupations of the victim may be as diverse as the perpetrator ranging from physicians to attorneys, and sports heroes to housewives.
Domestic violence is thought be more common among the immigrant population.
Past and current victims of domestic violence are overrepresented in the welfare population. One of every three women are likely to be abused or assaulted by a partner during their adult life. According to a report from the U.S. House Select Committee on Aging suggested between 1 and 2 million elderly are mistreated annually. Victims desperately want the abuse to end, but often remain silent to protect their family and protect themselves. Substance abuse may increase the frequency or severity of violent episodes in some cases, but does not cause it.