My immediate idea was to write about my experience of domestic abuse as it changed the person that I am today in a significant way.
I think this is very good. Your scope is much wider because it says -
issue of regional, national, or international significance.
... So it can be regional too. However, when you introduce this issue to the reader you need to talk about it as a more significant issue across your community, region, country etc. Try to support that aspect with statistics if you can find them. Make sure you do not narrow down the scope of the issue although you are going to talk about your personal experience.