Domestic violence takes a serious toll on its victims, both physically and emotionally.

• Battered women suffer physical injuries that endanger their health and may result in life-long disabilities. These injuries may interfere with job performance, resulting in lost promotional opportunities or dismissal.

• The emotional effects of battering can be even more devastating than the physical assault. A battered woman may lose touch with friends and family due to her partner's attempts to isolate her, or because she fears that people who she cares about will discover the violence and blame her for it.

• As a battered woman's support system diminishes, so does her sense of self-esteem. The constant insults of her abuser may cause her to feel that she is unworthy of the respect of others. If the criminal justice system fails to protect her rights and safety, she begins to lose hope.

• Despite the physical and emotional abuse that they endure, battered women are usually strong survivors. With adequate resources and support, many women not only create new lives for themselves, but also become advocates for battered women's rights.