The four instruments reviewed are the Danger Assessment Scale, the Spousal Assault Risk Assessment, the Propensity for Abusiveness Scale, and the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised. The factors considered important in assessing risk include a history of assaultive behavior, generally antisocial behaviors and attitudes, stability of relationships, stability of employment, mental health and personality disorder, childhood abuse, motivation for treatment, and attitudes toward women. Empirically validated risk assessment instruments should represent one part of the constellation of decision factors used to make determinations of risk. Evaluators also should always consider the implications for risk management, regardless of the risk measure being used. The risk management plan should focus on specific risk assessment variables. Properly applied risk assessment can serve as the basis for release planning, treatment, and safety assessment for the victim. However, improperly applied risk assessment can mislead the courts, victims, and offenders into falsely believing in an infallible science that does not yet exist. Nevertheless, the judicious, ethical, and professional application of risk assessment instruments has a useful role in protecting abused spouses. Tables, note, author biographies, and 63 references