An overview of the criminal justice system in Toronto is supplied, with a focus on entry points to the systen, progress of cases through the system from each entry point, and availability of records which document the sequence of events from entry point to final disposition. Victims of spousal abuse gain access to the criminal justice system from numerous entry points, including 'direct' entry points such as the police and the courts, and 'indirect' entry points, such as legal information services and family counseling. Records documenting the progress of a spousal abuse case from each of these contact points have been developed to support the smooth operation of the police and court systems. However, recordkeeping systems have not been developed to specifically distinguish the progress of such cases through the criminal justice system. The process changes required to develop a data base which will track the system's response to spousal abuse victims are outlined. For example, initiating documentation must be revised to clearly flag cases of spousal abuse, including occurrence reports, notices of arrests, court calendars, and confidential instructions for the Crown. Hardware and software are recommended to meet researchers' needs. An interview schedule, criminal code charges, sample criminal court and family court dockets, and a pamphlet are appended.