The high incidence of spouse abuse nationwide prompts a closer examination of the problem in Virginia. In particular, civil protective orders which have been used effectively in other States should be available to aid abuse victims in Virginia. This civil remedy can supplement and enhance the civil and criminal remedies already available. Such an approach may be helpful to the family by maintaining the abuser in the community under an order of protection, thus permitting him to continue earning income for the family. The Virginia General Assembly should seriously consider enacting this type of legislation to expand court options for responding to the growing problem of domestic violence. Footnotes are provided, and proposed legal amendments are appended. (Author summary)