The presentation outlines the experiences of battered women and the women who work with them in transition houses and other support services, providing a framework from which to view the lives of these women and a basis for proposals for Federal action. The discussion challenges the euphemistic language that is generally used to define violence in the family, and the view that battered women are passive victims. It is advised that the victim who finds a transition house receives a safe place, practical information on the options available to her, and emotional support, but she still faces the problem of where to go after leaving the transition house. The social welfare and legal systems fail to respond to her needs. Federal actions recommended to alleviate the problems of battered women include funding for transition houses and other effective services for battered women; consideration of legislative and jurisdictional issues regarding access to social services, divorce, and the possibility of revising the income tax system to provide for payment or court ordered maintenance and support; and adequate policing in wife battering cases. Nineteen references are listed.