Substance abuse itself does not cause abuse. No one is required to report battering except when weapons are used or the level of injury is consistent with a felony assault. Mandatory reporting usually is not in the abused persons best interest. Battered women do not control sexual decisions or behavior. Safer sex is usually not being beaten or raped.
Shelter space is limited, and is usually available only to women at greatest risk.
Leaving their home can mean homelessness, loss of property and loss of custody of their children. Battering is just a prevalent in homosexual relationships as it is in heterosexual relationships. This is a very strong indicator of adult violence. Battering is often lethal. All battered people feel as if their lives are in jeopardy.