More than 18,000 unduplicated reports of incidents of woman battering were received during this 4-year period; about 139,000 cases actually occurred. Statewide during 1981, approximately 2,360 women and 3,160 children were housed in Minnesota's 16 shelters; about 65 percent of the 4,360 requests for shelter could not be met. The average age of the battered woman was 29; of her assailant, 33. Data on battered men are also provided. Four appendixes, 28 figures, and l0 tables are included.