Based on her own experience as an abused wife and her subsequent involvement in efforts to address domestic violence, the keynote speaker notes the formidable obstacles that domestic violence victims face when they and their children attempt to leave abusive relationships. She emphasizes the importance of providing safe havens for them during this process. Another paper addresses the needs and expectations of battered women, especially in terms of their involvement with and perception of the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system in Cook County (Illinois) is cited for its groundbreaking work in this area over the last 15 years. A third paper describes the Chicago Police Department's efforts to respond to domestic-violence calls more humanely and holistically, followed by a presentation of the coordinated efforts of the Cook County prosecutor's office to prosecute perpetrators of domestic violence. The Supervisor of the Cook County Social Services Department focuses on post- sentencing options for domestic violence offenders and describes her department's Domestic Violence Program, which monitors and treats offenders under court supervision or conditional discharge. Remaining papers address profiles of spousal abusers and victims, the importance of shelter services for domestic- violence victims, the role of the State Attorney General's Office in combatting domestic violence in Illinois, and the importance of research in creating more informed and effective interventions in domestic violence situations. 7 references