This represents an increase of 16.8 percent over 1985, reflecting in part, specific training seminars on law enforcement submission of this crime. As in previous years (1982-1985), a majority of assaults occurred on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, most frequently between 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM. Of all assaults, 2,927 (20 percent) were aggravated spousal assaults involving firearms, knives, other dangerous weapons, or physical force. A majority of victims were female and white. In a large percentage of cases, assaults occurred while spouses were living together. Arguments and alcohol-related situations were the most frequently reported reason for the assaults. Of all reported cases, 68.2 percent were cleared -- 23 percent by arrest, 45.2 percent exceptionally (i.e., police were prevented from making an arrest, often because of the victim's refusal to cooperate in prosecution). As in previous years, the Baltimore and the Washington metropolitan areas accounted for the largest percentage of spousal assault cases. Tables.