Data indicate that wives were more frequently the victims and were more likely to be injured or killed in domestic disputes than any other household member. The majority (69 percent) of disputes did not result in any police action. In 21 percent of cases, criminal complaints were initiated. In these cases, police tended to arrest under Ohio's domestic violence provision when wives were victims and under the Ohio Revised code when other family members were victims. In addition, there was evidence to suggest that police used a mediation rather than a law enforcement approach to domestic disputes and that they evaded arresting offenders by referring them to other agencies. Remedies for these inequities are suggested. 2 tables and 37 references. (Author abstract modified)