THE 'DISCOVERY' IN ENGLAND OF THE PROBLEM OF BATTERED WIVES, THE INCEPTION OF WOMEN'S AID (WA) GROUPS AND THE INSTITUTION OF SHELTERS AND SERVICES FOR BATTERED WOMEN AS OUTGROWTHS OF THE WOMEN'S MOVEMENT ARE DETAILED. THE MAINTENANCE OF A HIERARCHICAL, PATRIARCHAL IDEOLOGY PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH PHYSICAL COERCION IS AN APPROPRIATE MEANS OF CONTROLLING WIVES; THE FRAMEWORK EXTENDS OUTSIDE OF THE MARRIAGE AND ACCOUNTS FOR PROBLEMS FACED BY WOMEN WHO STRUGGLE TO CURTAIL WIFE BEATING THROUGH INTERACTION WITH THE POLICE, COURTS, AND SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES. EXAMPLES OF RESISTANCE ENCOUNTERED BY BRITAIN'S WA'S ARE CITED. THE CONTRADICTION OF SIMULTANEOUSLY PROTECTING THE SANCTITY OF THE HOME AND FAMILY AND PROTECTING WIVES FROM BEING BATTERED IS EXPLORED. NOTES AND REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED.