theGinsue is correct. She doesn't need to press charges. The state/city/county will do it and she doesn't have any say. The catch is there must be probable cause that a crime was committed in order for the police to make an arrest. She's got to have some sort of mark or some other physical evidence. Testimony is usually good enough but, depending on how long ago the last even occurred that might not work.

It's very hard for many women to break the cycle of violence. They feel trapped, dependent or any number of other reasons they can't leave the abuser. As a police officer is was often heartbreaking to see it. I can tell you there were many times I wanted to dish out a little street justice on a few guys. Trouble is, they're usually just punks who wouldn't think twice about hitting a woman...they won't take a poke at another man, though.