Flores said that even when a batterer is brought to justice, often the victims will deny the charges in court, making it hard to convict an offender. One reason why domestic violence is so high, explains John Lonsbury, a counselor at Family Life Counseling Services, is that people don't realize domestic violence is a crime. Normally, someone in a public place, such as the library, would not hit a stranger because they know it is against the law. Hitting a loved one at home is also against the law and carries the same criminal charge of battery. But often the batterer either doesn't know this or believes he can get away with it on his home turf, said Lonsbury.
Domestic violence is complicated for many reasons.
It took me a while before I really understood domestic violence. Factors such as substance or alcohol abuse and a history of mental illness can also contribute to domestic violence. Flores who has been studying domestic violence for 14 years, and explained domestic violence runs in a cycle. After a violent incident, a couple goes through a honeymoon or make up phase and the batterer may promise never to hit his wife again. Then they cool off for a while.