"This study focuses on domestic violence and abuse in Aboriginal communities in Canada. It means to build on studies and initiatives conducted over the past fifteen years by others such as the Ontario Native Women's Association, National Clearing House on Family Violence, Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, and several others. Contributors argue that despite all the study, there are still gaps between what is occurring in relation to domestic violence and abuse in Aboriginal communities and the capacity of these communities and of the agencies that work with them to systematically and effectively address the problem. They argue that one reason for this gap is the lack of clear understanding of the true nature and complexity of domestic violence and abuse in Aboriginal communities as a social phenomenon" (Aboriginal Domestic Violence in Canada, pg.1).