The data came from records on 4,000 cases of spousal abuse which occurred in New York City and its environs between January 1976 and December 1979. Most abusive partners are between 26 and 35 years of age and are supported by joint incomes derived from gainful employment, usually blue-collar jobs. Nine-tenths of the abusive partners do not have criminal records, showing that typical batterers are not criminally deviant in other aspects of their lives. A high percentage of the criminal population in the sample were convicted of spouse abuse, although few served time for their crimes. Most abuse is physical and does not involve weapons. The injuries are usually bruises. Weapons are used in less than 20 percent of the cases. Over 80 percent of the abusive partners have a positive history of childhood abuse or have witnessed abuse against their own mothers. Just over 33 percent of the abused partners have similar histories, indicating that their endurance does not result from masochistic pathologies. About 35 percent of the abusive partners have alcohol problems, but only 10 percent are in treatment programs. While 16 percent of the abusive partners have other drug-related problems, 20 percent of them sought help. When the victim had a drug problem her abusive partner did, too, and those that sought help did so as a couple. The data provide a basis on which to build further studies. Figures are included. (Author summary modified)