There is something to be said about the relationships within a family and how they can shape every aspect of your daily life. Spouses, parents, siblings, children, and all the craziness that comes with those daily interactions finds a way to get tangled up in the things you do even outside the home. If these interactions are not handled wisely, you may find yourself with more than just tension at Thanksgiving dinner.

Yes, things around the home can get intense from playing games with a sibling to parents disagreeing on a situation that the family is dealing with. It happens in almost every household. The best way to manage these disputes is through respect and love for one another, but that kind of conflict resolution rarely comes naturally. Arguing, yelling, and other behaviors often manifest in this environment, including physical or other forms of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is more common than you might think. 2-4 million women experience domestic abuse every year. Unresolved issues among family members resulting in mental, emotional, and physical abuse can result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Survivors can struggle with its effects years after it has ended. Below are just a few things that contribute to the daily interactions in families.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following statistics affect the U.S. population.

• Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) costs exceeded $5.8 billion in 1995.

• 1.8 billion of IPV was based on indirect costs of lost productivity.

• Domestic abuse affects the survivor, children, other family members, and society (contributes to homelessness).

Your family is your first experience with relationships. You learn behavior, form opinions, discuss religious beliefs, etc. This kind of interaction consciously and unconsciously shapes your relationships with others. If you were part of a dysfunctional family, issues of trust and low self-esteem could hinder strong bonds.

In 1989, researcher Judith Blake presented the theory that children from large families don't receive as much education because the family resources are spread out over more people. Violence is usually sparked by lack of money that is prevalent in large families. Higher education is perceived as too expensive.

Violence occurring at home affects on-the-job performance. Survivors accrue numerous days of absence from their jobs. The Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health reports, "Stressful work experience have also been found to be related to an increase of negative behaviors between partners."

Alcohol and drug abuse contribute to familial violence. More than 20 percent of male abusers used drugs or alcohol before a violent attack. The American Society of Addiction Medicine reports that 56 percent of abused women also have psychiatric problems.

Beyond visible bruising and broken bones are other severe health conditions associated with stress, the central nervous system,and the immune system. Asthma, migraines, bladder and kidney infections, and chronic pain syndromes are common. Another issue that stress can cause is sleep disturbances.

There are many resources available for survivors of domestic abuse. The National Domestic Abuse Hotline offers confidential counseling 24/7. Employers may provide support through Employee Assistance Programs. Local nonprofit organizations and your church may also have programs.

Understanding domestic abuse is the first step toward recovery. Avoid isolation. Get counseling and take control of your life.