Research indicates that homicides between partners are typically the end point in a series of assaultive incidents and/or threats. One of the risk factors consistently found for being a victim or perpetrator of domestic homicide in the United States is belonging to a racial minority group. Between 1976 and 1985, the rate of domestic homicide among blacks was 5 to 8 times higher than for whites. Research also indicates that a substantial proportion of female-male slayings are in response to the partner's aggression and threats. Self-defense is not nearly as common a motive for husbands who kill, being 7 to 10 times less frequent than for wives. In both of the case studies, separation played a major role in the escalation of aggression by the male partner. Thus, women perceive that remaining in the relationship may lead to serious injury or death, yet they fear that leaving the violent partner may bring about equally serious reprisals. Since the late 1970's, some legal protections have become available to abused women, although such protections vary widely by jurisdiction in both content and implementation. An increasing concern for practitioners, based on recent court decisions, is the duty to warn or protect potential victims of homicide. Social and family issues associated with the two case descriptions of domestic homicide are detailed as well as treatment options. 84 references