As the frequency of wife beating increases, the complexities of this issue remain enigmatic. In order to alleviate the continuing spread of this deviant behavior, inquiry must be focused on the kind of men who beat their wives, the kind of women who become battered wives, why the battered woman remains with her assailant, and how society keeps her in this abusive environment. As society grows increasingly aware of this problem, the frequency of the events of wife abuse may begin to decline. (Publisher abstract)