This is a big problem for those who know the generational trend of domestic violence, Kindness said.

"We know kids who are witnessing domestic violence are more likely to become victims and perpetrators themselves."

So we all pay the price for this continuing violence, Kindness said. "It's not just this individual's problem."

Sometimes women are willing to take action or leave on behalf of their children when they won't do so for themselves, she said. Other victims assume children are resilient, didn't see enough to be harmed or that the violence is over.

Davis later told a reporter she didn't think her children — who are 20 months, 9 and 11 — had suffered long-term because of the incident.

These issues are critical given domestic abuse appears to be affecting more and more children.

A review of Salt Lake City Justice Court data shows that about 65 percent of cases filed there in 2005 and 2006 included charges of domestic violence in the presence of a child. This amounts to an 8 percent increase over the previous two years.

Cases filed to date in 2007 continue the upward trend.

"It's going to take the entire community stand up and say, 'This is unacceptable,'" said South Valley Sanctuary shelter director Samantha Nolan.

DCFS relies on local police departments to forward reports of domestic violence.

"Some officers know the effects of domestic violence. Some officers don't," said Sheri Michel-Singer, a DCFS domestic violence coordinator.

West Valley Police Sgt. Brock Hudson believes police are taking steps. "They may be baby steps, but we are moving forward."

Law enforcement has made huge strides, said West Jordan Police Capt. Gary Cox. Attitudes have changed from the days when officers basically went in as a sort of referee: They would often send one party to one corner, get someone else to stay at a sister's for the night and then moved on.

"We aren't at the steep end of the learning curve any more," Cox said.

But with awareness and sensitivity has come a huge burden for law enforcement, he said.

The role of victim advocates has been a blessing, helping to carry that burden.

"We have officers out there handling an injury accident, a SIDS baby and a gang fight. It is impossible for us to literally or figuratively put our arms around these victims and say, 'You are not at fault in your victimization.'"

Because domestic violence has long been considered a "family matter," Painter said, social awareness remains in an infant stage. Professionals ranging from teachers to social workers don't always know the dynamics, nor do they routinely screen for the complicated symptoms of domestic violence in children.