The definition of social violence has been limited to violence within the family or the physical and sexual abuse of family members by family members. In recent years the view that domestic violence reflects unequal power relationships whether between the sexes or between parents and children or between the elderly or their caregivers has assumed greater credence. Research has shown that violence is more likely in families where men are "head of the household," hold the economic purse strings and generally act, and expect to be treated as - the most important, dominant member of the household. Within the community at large, there is a reluctance to accept that this is the case and this reluctance has to be overcome before real progress can be made. Recommendations to prevent domestic violence include early detection, stopping the behavior and/or repetition by legal means, and providing therapeutic counseling activities for the family. 40 references.