Intrafamily homicide is a growing problem in the U.S.; between 1980 and 1984, approximately 25 percent of all one-on- one cases of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter occurred between family members. In this discussion of the prevalence and incidence of physical domestic violence, violence is defined as an act performed with the intention of causing physical pain or injury to another person. Data are presented both on physical violence against women and on violence toward husbands. Several studies have focused on ethnic and racial differences; this article summarizes research on violence among African-American couples and among Hispanic couples. The next section of the article focuses on marital rape, discussing definitions of marital rape, risk factors (family structure, gender inequality, exposure to violence in family of orientation, and alcohol and substance abuse), and the consequences of family violence. Finally, the authors consider crisis intervention services provided to battered women by hospital and police agencies. 1 table and 84 references