Over the 4-year period, the number of domestic abuse cases in the Rhode Island District Court averaged 4,228 annually. The serious crime of assault was the most frequent District Court charge against domestic abusers. Homicides due to domestic violence ranged between 20 and 30 percent annually of the total number of homicides reported. The Rhode Island Emergency Shelter Information Project indicates that domestic violence is the single leading cause of homelessness in the State. Further, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) notes that domestic abuse is a large social problem that also has significant medical, legal, and economic implications. The RICADV also believes that domestic violence, probably the most widespread form of violence in the United States, occurs among all social strata, educational levels, ethnic groups, religions, and ages. The RICADV estimates that domestic abuse costs Rhode Island between $36 and $61 million annually. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, women are victims of domestic violence in approximately 95 percent of the cases. Information and data are provided on the psychological impact of domestic abuse on victims, legislation to combat domestic violence, elderly abuse, stalking, abuse of women, child abuse, domestic violence prevention, and the role of law enforcement and courts in dealing with abuse. Tables and figures