The NCV has been established by joint agreement between the Commonwealth, all States, and the Northern Territory. Its purposes are to promote community understanding of the problem of violence, conduct relevant research, and suggest ways to combat violent crime. This booklet's brief descriptions of some of the theories of violence causation encompass physiological dysfunction, biological theories, violence/aggression as an inherent drive, frustration-aggression theory, displacement theory, modeling behavior theory, subculture of violence, and economic deprivation. After an overview of the types of criminal offenses in Australia classified as violent crimes, the booklet presents data on patterns of violent crime in Australia for 1973-87. The costs of violence to the individual, the community, and the government are discussed, followed by a review of current knowledge and needed research on violence in various settings. The settings include the street (assaults, rape, robbery, etc.), the home (spousal and child abuse), the workplace, sports events, and the media. Other topics addressed are the relationship between alcohol use and violence, drugs and violence, violence in a criminal justice setting (police and corrections), violence victims, and violent offenders. 57 references, photographic illustrations, 5 figures.