Police are on a 24-hour call to prevent and restrain violent behavior that can physically harm citizens. Police are the logical frontline persons for intervening in violent domestic disturbances. They are typically ill-equipped, however, for dealing with the psychological and relational aspects of domestic disputes as well as the consequences for the family unit. Police training in human relations, conflict resolution, and social services can increase police capability for dealing with domestic assaults effectively. Increased police cooperation with social service and mental health agencies is also required to address the dynamics underlying domestic disturbance. To enhance such cooperation, police and social workers must reach a realistic understanding of the possibilities and limitations of one another's roles in addressing domestic disputes. Social workers must also give the same 24-hour on-call service the police provide, so as to facilitate provision of the battery of service required at the time police are called. 20 notes.