The analysis revealed that 18 percent of the 24,651 violent offenses reported were domestic violence incidents. A total of 24,987 domestic simple assaults were also reported. An average of 32 percent of cases were cleared by arrest, 24 percent of cases were cleared by exceptional means, and 44 percent were not cleared. Victim assistance includes victim compensation from the Alabama Crime Victims' Compensation Commission, the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and 18 domestic violence crisis centers. Seventy-five percent of the survey participants reported fear of more violent or frequent abuse if they involved the authorities, 67 percent reported that they considered family violence to be a personal affair, and 63 percent reported that their children had been present during an incident of domestic violence. Frequently reported contributing factors included alcohol, drugs, money problems, arguments, jealousy, and problems with children. The research also revealed that three bills written with the assistance of the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence were introduced into the 1997-98 legislative session. Nevertheless, some problems with the current system cannot be changed by simple legislation; a well organized and supportive system is needed to make safe the journey of victims who find the strength to ensure the safety of themselves and their children. Tables