Our society has made great strides in overcoming the adversities it has faced throughout history, but one of the major problems still plaguing the human race is domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can be as old as historical records can record. While this may seem shocking to some, this horrific epidemic seen in relationships is an all too real factor in many homes across the United States. Domestic abuse destroys thousands of families every year. By the late 1920s, all states in the United States banned “wife beating,” but cases of domestic abuse continue to increase. People encounter a variety of relationships, and all of these relationships shape their lives in different ways. One of the most well-known forms of domestic abuse is spousal abuse, which is one of the most harmful cases of abuse. When considering the issue of domestic abuse, this does not mean that the abuse is strictly physical. Abuse can range from physical, verbal and social. In today's society, when the taboo phrase of spousal abuse comes up in a conversation or headline, the image people have already perceived is strictly between a man and a woman. In reality, domestic abusers show no preference for sexual orientation or gender. Both parties in a relationship have the capacity to abuse each other. Spousal abuse undermines a person's ability to feel safe in their home. The only place where they should feel safe and can take refuge when needed is taken away from them in abusive situations. Spousal abuse can occur from non-serious relationships such as having a boyfriend or girlfriend or being married to someone. The main root of this comes from the abuser's need to have control over the other and consequently branches into several......half of the document......increasing awareness and not maintaining this "taboo topic" in the dark. The more publicity spousal abuse receives, the easier it will be for people to talk about this serious problem. Advertising isn't the only way to put an end to this problem. Every person must realize that they are on this Earth together and if they don't come together when it comes to an issue like this, it will never be won. With the growing number of shelters for abused families and abuse awareness added to the education system, it is possible to eliminate this problem. It's important to keep in mind that this problem won't go away simply by spreading the word. It also takes people standing up to this horrible abuse and saying it's wrong. Everyone deserves the right to be happy, and if domestic abuse is out of the picture, the mission goal may be easier to achieve.