The study sample consisted of 20 abuse cases referred to a local spouse abuse treatment center. The abused spouses were interviewed using a structured format facilitated by a standardized paper-and-pencil instrument constructed from relevant research literature. The interview was designed to detect the presence of the personality characteristics often associated with abusers, the presence of characteristics often associated with abusive relationships, situational risk factors, and various types of abuse. Results indicate that dominance, anger, blaming, minimization, poor self-image, moodiness, acceptance of violence as a problemsolving technique, alcohol/substance abuse, possible emotional disturbance, rigid cognitive styles, and jealousy were perceived in at least 75 percent of the relationships. Using study results and the available literature, this report presents a pilot risk-assessment instrument, along with discussion of the efficacy of a standardized risk instrument. 2 tables, 1 figure, and 8 references