In Australia, wife abuse is a Federal civil offense, but States have broad discretion in handling these cases. In most States, police face several legal obstacles that inhibit their response to wife abuse, such as a restriction against police entering a private residence unless invited. Judges often fail to sentence wife abusers appropriately. The primary response to wife abuse in New Zealand has been the development of refuges, most of which are owned by the government and sublet at a nominal fee to community groups. The country needs additional community education on the problem, stronger legal deterrents, and therapeutic programs that hold abusers accountable for their violent behavior. Violence against women is an important focus of Denmark's feminist movement, with an emphasis on the establishment of shelters for battered women. Some shelters were founded by public agencies with permanent salaried staff positions. Other shelters use temporary staff. Funding cutbacks have increased competition for public resources for operating funds. Finland has 15 shelters and 2 crisis telephone lines. The shelters provide emergency refuge for abuse victims and also function as temporary crisis centers. Telephone crisis lines are staffed 24 hours a day. 18 notes.