Physical, psychological, sexual, and spiritual violence are viewed as products of traditional sex-role definitions, socializations, and values in a patriarchal society. Learned helplessness and passivity in relating to males make females easy targets of aggression by males reacting to feelings of failure or impotence. The cycle of violence that characterizes the battering couple is generated by the mutually destructive interaction of females and males socially programmed in this way, Culturally, violence is seen as the result of unequal distribution of social status and economic, political, and legal power between men and women. Male-oriented theologies, religious beliefs, and church practices derived from sexist interpretations of certain biblical passages also are shown to foster violence against women. Traditional psychotherapy and most marriage counseling, as well as individual counseling and psychotherapy for the batterer, are considered largely ineffective. Rather, the importance of consciousness-raising, support groups, and shelters for battered women is emphasized, as is the use of feminist therapy and new modes of conjoint counseling. A variety of approaches to pastoral counseling and care are presented. Practical guidelines, with verbatim examples, cover educating the public, handling the battering crisis, counseling battered women and couples, and encouraging community outreach. Lists of resources and readings and chapter footnotes.