Back when Joe wrote this law, domestic abuse was too often seen as a private matter, best hidden behind closed doors.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Signs the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization | The White House

The comments arose during a discussion on whether former International Monetary Fund head Strauss-Kahn's supposedly well-known sexual impulsiveness had been kept quiet because it was seen as a private matter.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Ms. MIRREN: (As Elizabeth) This is a private matter.

NPR: Summary Judgment: 'The Departed,' 'Employee of the Month,' 'The Queen'

She said in the statement that she chose to raise her son as a single parent and that the two agreed that it would be a private matter.

NPR: Domenici Acknowledges Having Son Outside Marriage

Mr Corzine said it was a private matter, and claimed that he would be able to negotiate with her impartially as governor.

ECONOMIST: Everybody suddenly wants to clean up New Jersey

Remember, the company behind Skylon - Reaction Engines Limited - envisages the project as a commercial enterprise, and unless the private investors are forthcoming, the vehicle will never fly - no matter how smart the technology.

BBC: Skylon: Ending 40 years of hurt