Domestic violence is a major problem in contemporary American society, although estimates of its extent are not definitive. With the exception of cases resulting in homicide, no reliable criminal justice statistics document the rate of serious domestic violence incidents. Lack of data has made it difficult to develop a statistical base for estimating victimization rates and for evaluating whether victim needs are being met. In addressing key policy issues associated with domestic violence, the volume starts with a brief theoretical analysis of various criminal justice interventions in spousal assault cases. The empirically based Conflict Tactics Scale is recommended for use in classifying domestic violence cases. The next four chapters focus on whether arrest practices can deter future violence. Particular attention is paid to the Minneapolis Domestic Violence Experiment and the Charlotte Spousal Abuse Experiment. Other chapters cover battered women and the criminal justice system, the efficacy of arrest and restraining orders, the role of arrest in domestic versus stranger assault, the prosecution's response to domestic violence in large jurisdictions, reabuse by court- restrained male batterers, and effects of restraining orders on domestic violence victims. Future directions in criminal justice policies on domestic violence are noted. References, notes, tables, and figures