More information and research are now available that contribute to understanding the issues in family violence, characteristics of victims and offenders, and etiologies of many aspects of the problem. However, adequate research is still not available concerning the relationship between physical and violence and psychological maltreatment within the family and reasons why some children and adults are resilient to long-term consequences. More data are also needed on the effectiveness of intervention programs. Until more resources are allocated to funding research and intervention programs in the area of family violence, the substantial funds needed to deal with symptoms rather than with the problem itself, the aftermath of violence, the loss of productivity for society, and the loss of human lives will not diminish. Specific areas that require additional research and intervention include improved instruments and measures for assessing family violence, dynamics of family maltreatment, outcome research on existing treatment and prevention programs, individuals who are resilient to victimization trauma, elder maltreatment, and children who sexually act out against other children. Current issues related to spouse or partner maltreatment are discussed, as well as the prevalence and impact of child physical abuse and exposure to family violence, child custody issues in family violence, child sexual abuse, adult sexual abuse survivors, and incest offenders. 129 references