IN 1978, THE MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE PASSED SEVERAL BILLS DESIGNED TO DEAL WITH FAMILY VIOLENCE. THIS LEGISLATION WAS INTENDED TO INCREASE THE CAPABILITY OF PEACE OFFICERS TO MAKE WARRANTLESS ARRESTS WHEN ARRIVING AT THE SCENE OF VIOLENCE; INCREASE SENTENCING FLEXIBILITY BY PROVIDING COUNSELING ALTERNATIVES TO THE TRADITIONAL IMPOSITION OF JAIL SENTENCES, PROBATION, AND/OR FINES; INCREASE RELEVANT INFORMATION REGARDING PRIOR OFFENSES FOR POLICE RESPONDING TO DOMESTIC CRISES; AND CREATE A CENTRAL BOARD WITH THE AUTHORITY TO COORDINATE, FUND, AND EVALUATE PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO LESSEN THE INCIDENCE AND ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. ALTHOUGH THE LEGISLATION IS A USEFUL FIRST STEP IN RESTRUCTURING THE PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM DEMANDS FURTHER LEGISLATIVE ACTION AND INITIATIVES BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. FUTURE ACTIONS SHOULD INCLUDE TRAINING AGENCY PERSONNEL IN THE HANDLING OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, MAINTAINING A 24-HOUR PHONE SERVICE WHICH PROVIDES ACCESS TO THE SERVICES OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM, COORDINATING THE APPROACHES OF COMMUNITY AGENICES IN DEALING WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, AND INCREASING JUDICIAL POWER TO ALLOW MORE PROTECTION FOR THE ABUSED SPOUSE. FOOTNOTES ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)