Few Federal and State laws specifically addressed the needs of these children until recently. However, laws in the areas of domestic violence, family law, child welfare, welfare reform, and immigration can have profound effects on the well-being of these children. The increasing understanding by legislators and policymakers of the potential harms of domestic violence to children has resulted in recent years in statutory changes, particularly at the State level. However, laws enacted and implemented with inadequate knowledge of the complex dynamics of domestic violence and the unique issues that bettered parents and their children experience may have unintended negative consequences for the children they aim to protect. Collaboration across public and private social service agencies and domestic violence training for court personnel are examples of efforts that can bridge this knowledge gap and increase the likelihood that the protective intent of the laws is carried out in practice. Photographs and 100 reference notes (Author abstract modified)