Over the years, studies have indeed linked several outside factors to incidents of domestic abuse. For example, domestic violence is much more rampant in households that suffer from addiction issues and substance abuse issues – and in households in which abusers have their own history of being abused during childhood. In addition, domestic abuse has been linked to feelings of low self-worth, financial stress, and mental illness. However, although these issues can help us better understand the root causes of domestic violence, and assist abusers in seek help for their behaviors, they are absolutely no excuse for domestic abuse. No matter what the “reason” for physical, verbal, or sexual abuse, understand that violence in the home is wrong, illegal, and extremely harmful.