Public Abuse: Why It's Rare and What to Know

Abusers rarely abuse their victims in public places where there are witnesses. Most commonly, abuse occurs behind closed doors, often within the home or in other private locations. Abusers may choose these secluded settings to exert power and control over their victims without the fear of being seen or intervened upon by others. Witnesses to abuse can play a vital role in supporting victims and intervening in situations of danger, which is why perpetrators tend to avoid public places during abusive incidents.