He doesn't allow her to see certain friends, or to have a job, or to leave the house, or to call the police. He takes the phone, the car keys, her money, her purse, her clothes. He insists that they have a conversation in the middle of the night, or that she must be having an affair. These are all examples of domestic violence.
Domestic violence is an extremely serious and rampant problem.
It is the number one cause of injury to women in the United States, more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. One in five women admitted to emergency rooms is there due to battering. While the DA's Office may only be able to prosecute violent acts or threats of violence, all of these factors and tactics are indicators of chronic domestic violence, and they are considered for sentencing purposes. Other problems spin off domestic violence and contribute to the erosion of our community. Children are especially affected.