The Social Service Department of the Circuit Court of Cook County established the Domestic Violence Program in the spring of 1979. The program views domestic violence as a learned behavior which often results from alcoholism and which should be treated as a crime. The program holds all participants responsible for their own behavior, while recognizing that both spouses contribute to a maladaptive process which can lead to violence. Men with drinking or drug abuse problems meet separately from men without these problems. The men's groups are mandatory and meet once a week for 1 hour over a period of 30 weeks. The women's groups are voluntary and openended. The court retains control over the offenders, who will be brought back to court for such violations as absence at five consecutive meetings or recurrence of physical abuse. Didactic presentations using directive leadership focus on three areas: the dynamics of intimate relationships, techniques for control of violent behavior, and the treatment of alcoholism or drug abuse using education and confrontation techniques. Specific topics include violence in the larger society, anger and frustration, men's and women's roles, trust, and communication in relationships. The women's groups aim to provide a support system for discussing problems and examining alternatives. The group approach is supplemented with individual counseling, home visits, couples counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals to outside agencies. The program reflects the change from the historical view of the family as a sanctuary to a focus on the safety and civil rights of family members. Footnotes are included.