@Niko They had to change a lot of the humor for it to make sense to an english audience. Personally I like both versions. I do prefer having the explanation of Penny and her moms rage and absurd behavior stemming from domestic abuse though because I like things to have reasons.
@TC although like what Felix said at the end of his comment when the Nohara family did go next door to break up what they thought was a fight between their neighbor and their boyfriend DID happen (this is one of the episodes when they reside in the apartment after shin blows up their house). If things are serious enough then Japanese people will go to help someone they aren't inhuman and they no right from wrong. It just has to be an obviously dangerous situation, but I think that can be true for many cultures.

Re: FelixJapanese culture is big on not barging into others' business and not going to the police if it will bring the family dishonor. The show itself hints at this several times.

I don't think there is even domestic abuse in the Japanese version. In fact, I think the dad is really really nice. The liberties Funimation has taken with translating this show is crazy.

Penny's and her mother's life is one of the many genres of humor displayed in the show. It's Black Humor. I think that the absence of it would take away from the show quite a bit; I see no problem in having it around.

i think thats kinda the point no one does because it isn't any of their business and its not happening around their general area so its speculation if it was happening next door as like the actress who was being beat up by her "boyfriend" they did something