Studied were the relationships of the intimate couples seeking assistance, correlation between use of drugs/alcohol and interpersonal violence, use of arrest and referral by deputies, and use of Wisconsin's new domestic criminal restraining order process. Findings were used to successfully advocate for a new 'pro-arrest' policy for domestic violence (battery). Failure to arrest may aggravate a domestic violence problem by suggesting to the assailants that their violence can be overlooked or is 'above the law.' An arrest can be the beginning of a process leading to court-ordered counseling for batterers, who otherwise may be reluctant to seek help to change their behavior. Tables, maps, appended materials, and 16 resources and references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)