Like child abuse, it affects all Americans by affecting those we love most. Awareness of victims of domestic violence has evolved since the founding of our country. In the past, this was a private matter that took place “behind closed doors”. They helped them overcome their suffering and reintegrate them into the dominant culture. (Karmen, 2015) states that one movement that has contributed to the process is the feminist movement. This widespread movement took place in the 1970s and represented “battered women.” This helped them defend themselves during their times of helplessness. Domestic tranquility ensures women's security at home under the protection of their husbands. The Feminist Movement challenged domestic tranquility and urged women to defend themselves (Karmen, 2015). They discovered the “silent crisis” that so many women were experiencing at that time. The crisis was that the men they married gave in to the days of “behind closed doors” and “looking the other way.” This era would no longer last, thanks to the feminist movement and widespread awareness. Laws and legislation have changed since the rediscovery of victims of domestic violence. One example is restraining orders. Restraining orders establish a level of protection for women from male offenders. Another example of legislation is the Violence Against Women Act. Enacted in 1994, the law requires all states to enforce protective orders issued in a