The first theory contends that marital assault, once begun, continues throughout the life of the marriage. Researchers and members of the public also believe that minor spousal violence is unrelated to severe assaults. The study indicates that the level and persistence of wife assault is related to the frequency of the initial assaults. Additionally, the study shows that minor assaults by the wife are related to substantial increases in the likelihood of continued severe assaults by the husband. This study points out that while most marital violence is transient, even minor assaults by a wife create the risk that the husband may respond with more dangerous assaults. 53 footnotes. (Author abstract modified)