Assault within the home, seems to be increasingly prevalent. Many influences may affect whether these cases are reported, and whether the victim feels it is appropriate to report them. Chapin and Coleman discuss a study particularly on adolescents’ that focuses on the term optimistic bias which is defined in the text as, “the belief bad things happen to other people.” (Chapin, Coleman, p 757). The article uses many other studies to explain the alarming number of adolescents who have experienced assault in a physical manner in the home, and the mental processes before and after the events. The study that is particularly examined looks at the relationships that may be present between the HBM (Health Belief Model), optimistic bias, and perceived