One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

And the violence does not discriminate.

Liz Hayes spoke with three area women who took a stand after suffering years of abuse.

In a special series called "In Pursuit of Happiness" we hope to bring to light the epidemic of abuse that affects individuals in every community... regardless of age, race, economic status, religion or educational background.

The stories of abuse are heart-wrenching and awful...like Erica's.

She wishes to remain anonymous because of the potential danger she still faces.

"It just escalated to the point where he would be gone for days on end and i would be locked in this closet, and then he'd come back and he'd beat me because he'd be on drugs and he'd accuse me of having affairs."

But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

These three women say no more....and their lives are better than ever before.