All couples experience differences of opinion and arguing. For some couples, arguing may escalate to yelling or shouting and, at times, to physical altercations. Violence such as this can result in injury and long lasting emotional damage. It is difficult to know how common domestic violence occurs, because people often avoid reporting due to embarrassment or shame. There is no typical victim. Domestic violence happens among people of all ages. It affects those of all levels of income and education. Couples therapy, focusing on communication and conflict resolution can help reduce this problem, often times in conjunction with individual therapy.