The homicide data analyzed were obtained from the Supplementary Homicide Report for 1980-84. The study considered only murder and nonnegligent manslaughter. The sample was also restricted to one-on-one cases. Two indexes, one legal and one extra-legal, were created as measures of resources available to women at risk from male partners: a Domestic Violence Legislation Index (measure of protective legislation available for battered women) and Resources for Abused Women Index (measure of shelters and wife-abuse services available). Over the study period, men were overwhelmingly the perpetrators of homicide in the United States. When women committed homicide, the victim was most likely to be a male partner. Rates of female-perpetrated partner homicide were significantly lower in States having higher scores on both indexes for Domestic Violence Legislation and Resources for Abuse Women. Although the two indexes were conceptually related, they were not significantly correlated, indicating they had independent negative effects on the perpetration of partner homicide by women. 4 tables, 3 notes, 39-item bibliography.