Regarding definitions of violence against women in cultural contexts, in the East Asian region, Confucian ideas have influenced perceptions of men as dominant and superior, with an emphasis on women as virtuous and inferior. In Europe, the inclusion of diverse religious and political values among member states is likely to influence discourses and perspectives on violence against women in relation to gender perspectives. Transnational and global influences may result in a reconstruction of patriarchal influences that have fostered violence against women; however, there may also be new links and alliances that will strengthen collaborative activism that broadens reforms in the treatment of women. Both of these tendencies are apparent in the East Asian and European contexts. East Asian and European countries are also dealing with the linked issues of violence against women and the maltreatment of children in the context of dealing with marital and divorce issues. This article identifies three "planets" that operate separately under distinctive perspectives and policies as the law and the courts of various countries attempt to resolve marital and divorce issues. One "planet" pertains to domestic violence, another to child protection, and another to parental visitation and contact with children following a divorce. A key challenge for the next decade is to bring these three "planets" into line, so that the safety and rights of women and children prevail throughout the management of criminal and civil proceedings in which male marital violence is an issue. 9 notes and 40 references