Virtually every country in the world has been touched in some way by family violence. A vast number of women and children are subjected each day to violence within their family homes, the setting where they should feel the safest. Family violence crosses the boundaries of sex, age, social class, education, and race (1). Statistics show that approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide will be affected by family violence within her lifetime (1). Violence has a major impact on one's physical, social and mental well-being. Additionally, the health related costs connected to family violence in Canada account for 1.5 billion dollars per year (1). This number accounts for short-term medical problems, long-term treatment for psychological issues, lost time at work, as well as the use of women's shelters (1). In view of these statistics, it is evident that domestic violence is a major concern across the globe. Accordingly, this paper will examine the magnitude of...