Eric Smith, age 13, intercepted four-year old Derrick Robie on his way to a park recreation program and offered to show him a short cut. Hesitantly, Derrick set off with Eric. He never made it to the park. That same day, the little boy's savagely beaten body was discovered outside the park. A week later, Eric confessed.
             Violent behavior such as what was just described stems from problems of abuse in the home, also known as domestic violence. This sort of violence is not healthy for the typical American family. When violence prevention steps are taken, domestic violence will be greatly decreased in today's society.
             Family or domestic violence can occur in any form of human relationship. Married couples, unmarried couples, with children or without, domestic violence can occur in any of these. According to Claudia Reynoso, director of the Wingspan Domestic Violence Project, the word domestic describes what happens within a home. The word itself reminds us of home-cooked meals and fuzzy knitted sweaters. But when the word violence is added on, it conjures up much different emotions. A father abusing a mother, a couple locking their children out of the house, parents striking children with their hands, wooden paddles, or belts, all are types of domestic violence.
             Domestic violence has multiple causes. The parent or parents may be heavy alcoholics. A mother of father may not know how to discipline children properly. A spouse may think that it is all right to strike or verbally assault the other. Causes like these are why there is so much abuse in today's families.
             As you can imagine, many negative effects occur as a result of domestic violence. Many women and sometimes children are suffering the realization of family violence. Children that are repeatedly beaten or treated cruelly may grow up to believe that it is okay to use that sort of discipline. Children that have to watch or listen to a pare...