[Margaret Pilkington]

You are right when you say that a lot of the violence happens behind closed doors......and much of this is covered up by the victim...who often will make excuses for her violent partner...believing it, in some way, to be her fault.
Often children will not see the violence, but they will see the effects of the violence.
Pehaps the woman flinches when her partner is near her......they may also see the physical effects of such violence. Children can be badly affected by such things..again believing that in some way they are to blame.
Domestic abuse/violence is insidious and damaging both mentally and physically.......the people who perpetrate it(both men and women) are bullies and cowards who enjoy the power of controlling someone.