Relationship violence, also known as domestic violence, occurs when one person in the relationship uses violence to control, instill fear, intimidate and hurt the other person. This type of violence is a serious problem. It happens to individuals of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. It occurs in heterosexual relationships, as well as same-sex relationships. It can occur while people are still involved, during a breakup, or when the relationship has come to an end. Most people who hear about violent and abusive behavior in a relationship think that it is the man who commits this type of behavior, but it can be committed by both the man and the woman. According to the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 85% of women have experienced some type of violence in their relationships, while 15% of men reported having done so (United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2013). be understood as a continuous three-phase scheme. According to Woods (1992), the cycle of beatings begins in the honeymoon phase (when everything is fine), then moves to the tension-building phase (when minor incidents occur, e.g., yelling), intensifies until the explosive (when the individual is physically hurt), and then returns to the honeymoon phase (they apologize and the relationship continues). When you think of abuse, physical violence comes to mind, but there are multiple types of abuse in relationships. It's not just physical abuse, there are other acts of abuse that include emotional and sexual abuse. Abuse doesn't just involve putting your hands on another, it can also involve spitting on the individual. Emotional abuse often precedes, occurs with, and/or follows… center of paper… to understand where you go for help. But if an individual decides to leave the relationship safely, they must have an exit plan. To do this there are some steps that should be taken. The National Domestic Violence Hotline suggests following these steps to increase your chances of leaving safely.1. Know the telephone number of the shelter for battered women in your area.2. Let a trusted family member, friend, colleague or neighbor know about your situation.3. Preserve any evidence of physical abuse, such as pictures.4. Plan with your children and identify a safe place for them.5. Hide an extra set of car keys.6. Put the money aside. Ask friends or family to hold money for you.7. Prepare a bag and all important documents.8. Know the attacker's schedule and safe times to leave.9. Get important phone numbers of friends, relatives, doctors, schools, etc.10. Create a red herring.