This question came from a survey I conducted on May 30, 2005 at St. David Catholic Secondary School in the Waterloo Region. The Students aged from 14 - 19.

Q: Do you feel that violence against women is an issue in today's society?
R: 7% of students strongly disagreed, while 36% moderately agreed and 22% strongly agreed. The remainder of results were unsure.

Can you see how the percentile is scattered all over the board? Violence against women is definitely part of our society and these students were not quite sure. Can you imagine being an unsure young woman who enters a violent relationship? Well you might just think this is the way things are supposed to be because you are unaware. According to Louise Gerdes, "females can be in denial about their abusive relationship; they suspect that all couples have fights and the abuse is normal" (Gerdes: 66, 1998).
Well take it from me when a guy makes a fist and punches you several times on your arms, back and stomach, it is NOT normal. When you take off your clothes two days later and the Black and Blue marks are vividly staring you in the face that is NOT normal. There is a way to be happy again, we all have the power in us to make our own lives better.