Initially, a theoretical framework within which domestic violence can be understood is presented. Different perspectives of the origins, nature, and extent of child abuse and wife beating are discussed. In separate segments on abused children and battered spouses, aggressor and victim charcteristics are considered, including cultural, social, and economic factors; psychological and personality profiles; and significant elements in the husband-wife or parent-child relationships. Attention is given to the important role of the family system in child abuse and wife beating. The dynamics of abusing family systems are explored, including treatment of the efforts of domestic violence on all family members and reasons why battered wives remain with abusive husbands. Methods of intervention for use in working with abusing families are described, including portrayals of the roles of social workers and members of other helping professions; types and goals of such treatment techniques as individual psychotherapy, family therapy, and crisis intervention; techniques for involving the family in treatment; and the optimum use of community resources. The concluding discussion focuses on approaches to the prevention of family violence, including the development of more services, legislative reform, and advocacy for the abused child and battered adult. Chapter references, footnotes, and a bibliography of approximately 30 references are provided.