The Finnish data consist of 475 respondents and the Swedish data 494 respondents, representative of the population between 15 and 70 years old. A total of 12 percent of the Finnish respondents and 11 percent of the Swedish respondents reported family violence, with the most common form being violence directed by a man at his wife or common-law wife. The Swedish respondents regard the public interest element in family violence as stronger than do the Finnish respondents. The Swedish respondents felt that prosecution should not depend on the victim's wishes, while the Finnish respondents supported a more independent position for the victim in dealing with the matter in court. In both countries, macro level explanatory theories of family violence receive the most support. In general, Finns call domestic violence 'family violence' and emphasize the importance of social welfare. The Swedes emphasize 'battered women' and legislative measures. Tables and 36 references are provided. (Author summary modified)