Advantages of protocol adoption are discussed and the protocol implemented in York (Pennsylvania) is used as an example. A comprehensive model Domestic Violence Intervention System addresses the roles of law enforcement, victim/witness services, prosecution, legal advocacy, judicial practice, and probation and parole activities in responding to the abuse of women. The third section covers issues related to the investigation, probable cause determination, and arrest decisions made in cases of domestic violence. A separate section discusses officer safety and ways to reduce the risk of responding to a domestic violence call. Questions related to liability and victim safety are also examined here. 3 appendixes