The authors note the heterogeneity of both batterers and batterers' intervention programs, such that the matching of batterer subtypes to specific intervention strategies is required. Whatever type of intervention is used, there must be planning for the safety of victims. Some controversies that continue to surround strategies for dealing with batterers are the methodology for assessing treatment outcomes, the qualifications required for treatment staff, whether intervention is "treatment" or "education," the crafting of standards that afford maximum protection for victims, and interventions for females arrested for domestic violence. Many States and jurisdictions in the United States now mandate at least some standards and policies for the type of intervention that is required for those who are convicted or plead guilty to domestic violence. The articles in this book discuss the issues and policies that have been mandated and implemented throughout the United States for such interventions, along with the mechanisms by which States have created standards. The goal of batterer treatment standards is to reduce violence directed at women by ensuring that States are offering the most effective, state-of-the-art intervention approaches possible. 25 references