Court-mandated counseling was considered an innovation in stopping violence against women. It was thought to be a deterrent against arrest as well as a way to provide treatment and rehabilitation to violent men. However, court-mandated counseling does not address the victim and her welfare since the batterer is accountable only to the courts. Implementation has created some issues with its diversity of programs. In a survey of 30 programs, 40 percent cited lack of court action with noncompliant referrals as a major problem. Recommendations include standardizing implementation; court referral should be part of a sentence and not a way to avoid one. To avoid dropout, the program should assess potential referrals and refuse batterers who are considered high-risk. To avoid problems with outcome, victim safety needs to be monitored with shelters and community services providing a major role. 52 references (Author abstract modified)