A number of factors have shaped police response to domestic assault cases. First, police share society's values, many of which have devalued women. Prosecutors often are unwilling to proceed in such cases, and courts may be reluctant to handle them because of overloaded dockets and a lack of available alternatives if the spouse is convicted. Police administrators have viewed wifebeating as noncriminal, and police officers have not felt competent to handle domestic crises, particularly at the expense of other police work. The rise of feminism, publicity accorded to wives claiming self-defense in domestic homicides, increasing awareness of the plight of the battered woman, and confrontations between women's groups and the criminal justice system over the handling of domestic violence have contributed to changing police attitudes and procedures. One approach has been to provide police with training in intervention skills. In Detroit, officers were given special training designed to overcome myths about domestic violence and provided with information on the procedural and legal aspects of police involvement in domestic violence calls. In addition, police could call upon a social worker-therapist to counsel parties in the police precinct. Concerning nurse-police interaction, nurses can make substantial contributions when they encounter a batterd woman. Nurses should become familiar with the issue of domestic violence, including the victims' concerns and rights and the nurses' rights and responsibilities. Nurses should know about the legal requirements and limitations on prosecution in spouse abuse cases and be able to advise victims about options and resources. Finally, nurses should be familiar with evidence that may be required for court presentation and must make a commitment to testifying in court on their actions and observations. Five notes are supplied.