After reading Tuesday's column on abuse, I feel it is important that people understand that battering is a staggering problem in our society. That is why I am writing this response.

About five months ago, I became a statistic. I was battered by my boyfriend. Like so many other women I did not realize the immediate danger and thought the abuse would stop. But the realization finally set in after the abuse escalated to the point where I needed to receive medical attention. It was then I knew the abuse was never going to stop. No matter how much I cared for the person who abused me, I knew the only way to protect myself was by ending the relationship.

In my situation I made the decision to take legal action. My first step was a Protection From Abuse Order followed by a criminal investigation and charges. The process has not been easy and is still going on today. But I will never regret my decision. The cycle of abuse must be broken. I did not do this out of revenge. I did it out of a concern for women and for protection. I could not bear to hear that the next woman was not as lucky as I.

To victims, I encourage you to seek help, whether it's counseling and/or legal action. It won't be an easy process either way, but I know that in the end you will persevere and gain strength from knowing you did what was right.

To the friends of victims, stand by your friend and give them a shoulder to cry on. Being there and being a friend means a great deal to the victim.

To abusers, think twice before you batter another human being. No one deserves to be battered.

To the rest of society, I must ask you to recognize that domestic violence is a crime and must stop. If we ignore it, it will not go away, it will just occur again and the next explosion could be on someone close to you. Together, we have to stand up and tell abusers that they are wrong and have no right to hurt and injure another human being.