Domestic violence comes in a lot of forms, including physical violence, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, threats and stalking. Unfortunately, all of these issues affect the lives of many people in California.

Sadly, domestic violence is most common in intimate relationships. That is why February has been declared the commemorative month for Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention. One goal is to take away the belief that domestic violence is a private, family matter.

The truth is that domestic violence affects about 2.3 million people in the United States each year, according to the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. Domestic violence also does not discriminate and exists among all classes, races and cultural groups.

Although both men and women can be victims of domestic violence, women between the ages of 16 and 24 are almost three times as likely to suffer abuse by the hands of an intimate partner, including rape or physical assault.

Oftentimes, victims feel that there is no safe way to leave an abusive relationship, which is why many supportive programs have been put in place in communities throughout the country.

The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence is one of these programs that has targeted teen dating violence, specifically. The group is trying to raise awareness about teen dating violence, which it sees as an issue that affects everyone in the community.

California has extensive domestic violence statutes in place to keep victims of domestic violence safe. If an outbreak of violence in your home or relationship has caused you to fear for your safety, consider filing a restraining order or an order for protection with the court.

Source: The Daily Californian, "Prevent dating violence in February," Anna Johnson, Feb. 7, 2012