Contrasting approaches to the explanation of family violence are listed. The systems explanation emphasizes psychological deficiencies of the batterer while the feminist view holds that patriarchy, or male power over women, is the underlying factor in assessing family structure. The role that women play in battering is discussed. One author suggests that fundamentalist religious and military institutions contribute to women battering; another holds that women are victims and explores the concepts of traumatic bonding and learned helplessness. Difficulties in establishing a profile of men batterers are presented. While the number of programs for male batterers is small (about 200), program evaluations suggest that anger management and resocialization techniques are effective. The author concludes that the debate concerning the nature of women abuse, male-female relations, and social change will continue. 16 references.