Domestic abuse, also known as domestic violence, can occur between two people in an intimate relationship. The aggressor is not always man; it can also be the woman. Domestic abuse can occur between a woman and a man, between a man and a man, or between a woman and a woman. Domestic abuse shows no preference. If a partner feels abusive, no matter their sexual orientation, eventually the actions they feel will come out towards their partner. Other people often overlook domestic abuse. People generally don't like to get involved in other people's problems, especially when they believe there might be problems at home. For one reason or another, the person who witnesses someone being abused by their spouse does not want to report the crime, or get involved at all, because they are afraid that something violent will happen to them for trying to help . . Within the relationship there are many signs of abuse. The biggest sign is that you completely fear your partner. Domestic abuse doesn't start the day you meet your partner. It can start a week, a month or even years later. If you feel like you constantly have to pay attention to what you say or what you do or else your partner will become violent, signs indicate that you are in an abusive relationship. There are also many types of abuse. The abuse doesn't have to be all physical. Emotional abuse is when your partner tells you things like “no one else will ever love you,” “you are worthless,” “you do everything wrong,” and so on. These are things you think about all the time after they are said and repeat them over and over in your mind. Emotional abuse can make you feel like you have no self-worth and could push you to do something drastic… middle of paper… their hands on you. Most of the time it is not guilt that makes them apologize, he or she simply believes that you will not report them if they apologize to you after abusing you. There may be short gaps of time between moments of love and moments of abuse with your partner. Your wife or husband may be very affectionate for a few weeks and then become very violent in the following weeks. There is no set time period for when your wife or husband will be abusive or when he or she will be loving. Cited Mayo clinic staff. (2011, May 21). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from Domestic Violence Against Women: Recognizing Patterns, Seek Help: http://www.mayoclinic.org/domestic-violence/art-20048397?p=1Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2013, July) . HelpGuide. Retrieved from Domestic Violence and Abuse: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm